One of Twenty-Three Sheets of Drawings of Glassware (Mirrors, Chandeliers, Goblets, etc.) 1850 - 1880

This is one of a series of drawings of glassware made by the Compagnia di Venezia e Murano. The objects depicted are adorned with stylized fleur-de-lis motifs. These are not merely decorative; they tap into a rich vein of heraldic and royal symbolism. The fleur-de-lis, long associated with French royalty and the Holy Trinity, transcends mere decoration, embodying power, sovereignty, and divine approval. We see echoes of this symbol across time, from ancient Egyptian ornaments to medieval coats of arms. Its persistence reveals the human desire to connect with notions of authority and heritage. Interestingly, this symbol resurfaces even in contemporary contexts, adapted and reinterpreted, illustrating its enduring appeal. Consider how such motifs engage us. They evoke a subconscious connection to history, subtly influencing our perception of value and status. The fleur-de-lis, in its various forms, thus becomes a potent carrier of cultural memory, continuously reshaped by the collective psyche.