Panel 1871

Christopher Dressler designed this textile panel with dyed cotton in the late 19th century. The pattern presents several potent motifs: floral arrangements reminiscent of ancient fertility symbols are interwoven with a unique circular cross. This cross is especially intriguing, echoing the ancient solar crosses found in Bronze Age petroglyphs. These symbols, initially tied to pagan sun worship, have persisted through history, often re-emerging in various guises. Consider, for instance, the Celtic cross—a symbol deeply rooted in Irish Christian tradition that also integrates pre-Christian solar symbolism. This textile does not merely replicate historical forms; it evokes primal emotional responses tied to protection, balance, and cosmic order. The persistent reappearance of such symbols suggests a deep-seated psychological need to connect with ancestral beliefs and the fundamental forces of nature, which continue to influence our subconscious understanding and appreciation of art.