Meandermotieven c. 1890 - 1922

These 'Meandermotieven', or Meander Motifs, were created by Johanna van de Kamer, illustrating the classical geometric design with its continuous, linear pattern. These patterns, also known as Greek Fret, immediately conjure images of ancient Greece, adorning temples and pottery alike. They are not merely decorative; the labyrinthine form has symbolized eternity, unity, and the complexities of life's journey. The motif is a powerful visual metaphor, one that resonates with our subconscious understanding of pathways and destinations. The meander's journey extends beyond ancient Greece, with similar geometric patterns found in various cultures throughout history. Think of the swastika, an ancient religious icon appropriated and distorted by the Nazis. This appropriation reveals how symbols, once benevolent, can be twisted, imbued with new, often malevolent, meanings, and charged with emotional and psychological weight. Thus, the meander, like all powerful symbols, has a life of its own, constantly evolving, resurfacing, and reminding us of the intricate dance between past and present, a testament to the enduring power of the image.