Platter 1771 - 1772

This silver platter was crafted by Edme-Pierre Balzac in the 18th century. Note the subtle yet potent emblem centered at the top—a heraldic crest. These crests, laden with symbolic animals and shapes, were more than mere decoration; they were declarations of identity, lineage, and aspiration. Consider how these symbols migrate across time and media. We see echoes of heraldic emblems in medieval tapestries, Renaissance portraiture, and even modern corporate logos. The visual language of power and identity persists. Think of the eagle, a frequent inhabitant of crests. From the Roman Empire to contemporary national flags, it embodies authority and vision. The act of displaying these symbols isn't just about pride; it taps into a deep-seated human need to belong, to assert oneself within a larger narrative. The crests are not stagnant; they are continually reinterpreted, imbued with new meanings, and reborn in different contexts. They are a testament to how our collective memory shapes our present.