Unknown – Perfume-burner Supported by Amorini and Serpents and Garlanded with Flowers Metropolitan Museum: part 2

The composition centers around a highly ornate perfume-burner, its function immediately apparent through the plume of smoke rising from its top. The burner itself is rendered in gold and sits against a deep blue background, creating a striking contrast that draws the eye. Flanking this central element are two cherubic figures – Amorini – positioned on either side. They appear to be actively supporting the structure, their poses suggesting both playful engagement and dutiful service. Their skin tone is a warm, golden hue, echoing the metallic finish of the burner.
Below the perfume-burner, intertwined serpents form a decorative base. These are not depicted as menacing creatures but rather as elegant, stylized forms, interwoven with an abundance of flowers – roses, carnations, and other blooms in vibrant colors. The floral arrangement spills outwards, extending beyond the immediate structure to rest on a ledge or shelf at the very bottom of the image. A portrait medallion is inset into the blue background behind the burner; its subject’s features are classical, suggesting an idealized representation of beauty or virtue.
The overall effect is one of opulent display and refined taste. The presence of Amorini suggests themes of love, desire, and perhaps even playful indulgence – all associations often linked with perfume and fragrance. The serpents, traditionally symbols of temptation or wisdom, here seem to be integrated into the decorative scheme without any overt negative connotation; they contribute to a sense of complexity and intrigue. The portrait medallion hints at an aristocratic patronage or a celebration of individual beauty within a larger context of luxury and refinement.
The painting’s subtexts likely revolve around themes of sensory pleasure, courtly love, and the display of wealth and status. It is probable that this object was intended for a private setting – perhaps a boudoir or salon – where it would serve as both a functional item and an aesthetic statement. The meticulous detail and rich symbolism point to a deliberate effort to create an object of considerable artistic merit and social significance.