Small Sword Dutch or French

Radboud · 17th September 2024, 07:05 AM

I love the detail there Cathy. Although I'm not sure I see a christian theme there. Some of my observations:
1. Both figures are seated surrounded what look like acanthus leaf, which were picked up in 18th-century neo-classical art. Acanthus has multiple meanings, enduring life, immortality or in some christian tradition pain, sin and punishment.
2. The animals on either side of the figures have curled rams horns.
3. Next to the man they face him with his bodies, but turn their heads away, while next to the woman they have their backs turned but heads towards her.
4. The animals next to the man appear to have wings and monkey tails while the other pair do not.

Unfortuantly I don't know what they mean either, but I'm sure there is a significance to them and they would have told a story to the original owner.

17th September 2024, 07:05 AM	#7
Radboud Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: New Zealand Posts: 261	I love the detail there Cathy. Although I'm not sure I see a christian theme there. Some of my observations: 1. Both figures are seated surrounded what look like acanthus leaf, which were picked up in 18th-century neo-classical art. Acanthus has multiple meanings, enduring life, immortality or in some christian tradition pain, sin and punishment. 2. The animals on either side of the figures have curled rams horns. 3. Next to the man they face him with his bodies, but turn their heads away, while next to the woman they have their backs turned but heads towards her. 4. The animals next to the man appear to have wings and monkey tails while the other pair do not. Unfortuantly I don't know what they mean either, but I'm sure there is a significance to them and they would have told a story to the original owner.