In the Classical Age, the mythical
griffin was a
symbol of strength and nobility. With
the beaked
head of an eagle, the body of a lion,
and splendid
wings, it was often adopted as an emblem
of
kings. The image of the griffin
originated in the
Persian East and was exported to Greece
along
the trade routes. It was particularly
favored in
the Greek colonies of Magna Graecia,
where it
adorned pottery, mosaics, jewelry,
sculpture, and
tapestries. This exquisite vessel is
decorated
with a griffin crouching as if preparing
for flight.
To look upon it is to understand the
boundless
limits of human imagination.
- (PF.0147)
|
