Acanthusornament 1877 - 1880

Here we see Jac van Looij’s “Acanthusornament,” a pencil sketch of a classical architectural detail. Van Looij lived through a time of great social change, witnessing the rise of industrialization and the shifts in class structures that came with it. His choice to depict classical ornamentation reflects a desire to connect with historical legacies in a rapidly modernizing world. The acanthus leaf, a motif derived from ancient Greek and Roman architecture, symbolizes endurance and immortality. In rendering this ornament, van Looij engages with themes of continuity and cultural memory. While seemingly straightforward, the drawing invites us to consider how the act of replication influences its meaning. Does it celebrate the past, or does it subtly critique the present? Consider how van Looij’s personal experiences may have shaped his artistic choices. "Art does not solve problems, but makes us aware of their existence".