Pair of brackets 16th century

These brackets, crafted around 1500 by Antonio Barile, showcase a fascinating dance of symbols. Notice the winged griffins, guardians of treasure and knowledge, flanking a central urn. Above, grotesque masks leer out, their origins tracing back to ancient rituals meant to ward off evil. These motifs are not isolated; they echo through art history. The griffin, a composite of eagle and lion, appears in ancient Near Eastern art, embodying power and vigilance. The grotesque masks, with their distorted features, find kinship in the gargoyles perched on Gothic cathedrals, serving as protectors and reminders of the monstrous lurking beneath the surface. Consider how these symbols tap into our collective unconscious. The griffin, a symbol of strength and wisdom, may evoke a primal desire for protection. The grotesque masks, though unsettling, remind us of our vulnerability. These symbols, passed down through generations, continue to resonate, reminding us that the past is always present, shaping our perceptions and emotions.