Portret van Montrouge before 1878

This Parisian theatre advertisement features a portrait of a man, framed by symbolic figures of drama, comedy, and Athenée, all rendered in delicate engraving. Consider the cherubic figure above the portrait, holding a laurel wreath, an emblem of triumph and immortality since ancient Greece. This motif is not confined to classical art, but reappears throughout history—from Roman emperors depicted with laurel crowns to Renaissance paintings celebrating artistic genius. It represents the enduring human desire for recognition and lasting fame. Even today, in our subconscious, the laurel wreath evokes a powerful emotional response, symbolizing achievement and excellence. Its cyclical progression through time reminds us that symbols carry collective memories, resurfacing and evolving, shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world.