Epigram Collection

Sun-dial in Middle Temple (engraving)
696719 Sun-dial in Middle Temple (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sun-dial in the Pump Court, Middle Temple, one of the four inns of court in London)

Scene from The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900
STC135738 Scene from The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) at the Lyric Hammersmith, 7 June 1930 (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Hand-warmer in the form of a book, 1672 (earthenware, tin-glazed, delftware)
1217789 Hand-warmer in the form of a book, 1672 (earthenware, tin-glazed, delftware) by English School, (17th century); Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

As the Salamander lives in fire, so also the Stone
XJF384070 As the Salamander lives in fire, so also the Stone, Emblem XXIX from Atalanta fugiens by Michael Maier, 1617 (engraving) by German School

Oval patch box with white porcelain lid (enamel)
WAG421346 Oval patch box with white porcelain lid (enamel) by English School; Wolverhampton Art Gallery, West Midlands, UK; (add.info)

Statue of Pasquin in the House of Cardinal Ursino, Published after 1582

Satyr embracing a nymph, fresco from the house of Epigram at Pompeii

Epigrams by Martial
Detail of the book Epigrams by Martial (40-104), latin poet. Latin edition. Venice. 1514

Eagle. Epigrams by Martial
Eagle. Detail of the book Epigrams by Martial (40-104), latin poet. Latin edition. Venice. 1514

A quadruple wheel rules this fiery work, Emblem XVII from Atlanta
XJF425334 A quadruple wheel rules this fiery work, Emblem XVII from Atlanta Fugiens by Michael Maier, 1617 (engraving) by German School

Carnelian with Amor, Willem Bilderdijk, 1766 - 1784

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"Capturing Life's Ironies: Epigram, the Art of Wit and Satire" In a world where contradictions thrive, an epigram unveils hidden truths with a touch of humor. Just like the audacious man allowing a stranger to kiss his wife, it challenges societal norms and tickles our imagination. As the sun-dial in Middle Temple engraving reminds us of fleeting moments, so do Oscar Wilde's words in "The Importance of Being Earnest. " His play dances on the fine line between reality and absurdity, leaving us pondering life's paradoxes. A hand-warmer disguised as a book from 1672 speaks volumes about human ingenuity. Crafted from earthenware and tin-glazed delftware, it warms both body and soul while reminding us that beauty lies even in practical objects. "As the Salamander lives in fire, so also the Stone, " whispers ancient wisdom. This enigmatic phrase invites contemplation on resilience amidst adversity – just like an oval patch box with its delicate white porcelain lid adorned with enamel artistry. Glimpses into history reveal Pasquin's statue standing tall within Cardinal Ursino's house. Published after 1582, this symbol of political satire embodies Epigram's power to challenge authority through clever wordplay or visual representation. From Pompeii emerges a fresco depicting a satyr embracing a nymph; their passionate embrace captures desire entangled with nature itself. Such provocative imagery echoes Martial's timeless epigrams that explore love, lust, and human folly. An eagle soars high above mountainscapes - majestic yet fierce - embodying Martial’s sharp wit that cuts through pretense. Through his poetic verses engraved upon stone tablets for eternity to admire or critique humanity’s follies Within Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae lies another glimpse at Pasquin’s statue residing within Cardinal Ursino’s house. This artistic treasure transports us back to 1550, where satire thrived and Epigram found its voice.