Roman No.1 1856

Owen Jones created this chromolithograph titled 'Roman No.1', featuring a collection of Roman ornamental details. Here, observe the recurrence of acanthus leaves, a symbol favored by the Romans for its association with victory and prosperity, often seen in architectural friezes and Corinthian capitals. Notice also the figure of the winged putto, a motif rooted in classical antiquity, symbolizing love and innocence. The presence of the griffin is especially striking, a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. This fusion embodies strength and wisdom. The griffin, originating in ancient Near Eastern art, migrated through Greek and Roman cultures, resurfacing throughout the medieval period as a symbol of divine power. Like a dream image, these symbols resurface across cultures and epochs, revealing how visual languages are transmitted and adapted through generations, shaped by both conscious intent and the enigmatic currents of the collective unconscious.