Introducing the Ariel on a Bat Collector's Seal: A Tribute to Shakespeare's "The Tempest"

Kathryn Hastings is thrilled to unveil the latest masterpiece in her distinguished collection of collector's seals: a piece inspired by the mesmerizing world of Shakespeare's "The Tempest." This seal not only celebrates the ethereal spirit Ariel but also pays homage to a unique 19th-century cameo that captured our imagination.

At the core of this exquisite seal lies the fusion of Ariel, the spirit of air and intuition, with the enigmatic symbol of the bat, representing the subconscious and its mastery over the nocturnal mysteries. This blend beautifully embodies the journey through uncertainty, guided by the steady light of our inner wisdom.

This collector's seal is a testament to the unyielding power of inner strength and the enchanting allure of personal magic. It stands as a powerful reminder that in the midst of darkness, we are never lost; our intuition is a luminescent beacon, ready to lead the way.

Inspiration from an Antique Cameo

The journey to creating this seal began with an enchanting cameo, featuring Ariel on a bat, discovered on Sian Harlowe Antiques’ Instagram. Fascinated by the idea, I reached out to Sian Harlowe, who was enthusiastic about the project. Although the original cameo depicted more elaborate features, I chose to simplify the design, focusing on the unique blend of Ariel and the bat, inspired by Ariel's own words in "The Tempest":

Where the bee sucks, there suck I:
In a cowslip’s bell I lie;
There I couch when owls do cry.
On the bat’s back I do fly
After summer merrily.

This verse encapsulates the essence of Ariel’s spirit—joyful, free, and in harmony with nature, making it the perfect inspiration for this seal.

Ariel: The Spirit of "The Tempest"

In "The Tempest," Ariel plays a pivotal role, executing Prospero's wishes and driving the play's magical events. This spirit, bound in service yet longing for freedom, embodies the themes of liberty, loyalty, and the complex dance between servitude and autonomy. Through this seal, Ariel's essence is celebrated—not just as a character in a play, but as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of freedom and the magic within us all.

In capturing Ariel's essence, this seal invites us to explore the depths of our own intuition and the power of our inner strength, reminding us of the magic that resides within each of us. It's an invitation to carry a piece of literary and artistic history with us, sealed in wax, as a marker of our own journeys and stories.