Winged Hippocamp supporting a Vase (recto); Figure Studies and Architectural Design (verso) 1500 - 1630

This pen and brown ink drawing depicts a winged hippocamp supporting a vase, created by an anonymous artist. The absence of a known creator invites us to consider the narratives embedded in unsigned works, often produced outside the mainstream art world. Here, the mythological sea creature carries a vase, a vessel, alluding to themes of support, burden, and the stories we carry. There's a striking emotional resonance in this image. The hippocamp, traditionally a symbol of power and nobility, is here rendered with a sense of vulnerability. Its wings and vase suggest a reaching, perhaps towards aspirations or memories. We might ask, what does it mean to be a support? How do societal expectations weigh on individuals, and how do they navigate these pressures? The figure prompts reflections on the balance between strength and fragility. The drawing acts as a mirror, reflecting our own struggles and resilience.