Two Designs for Ornament 1765 - 1775

Richard de Lalonde created these ornamental designs with pen and gray ink, sometime between 1780 and 1790. Note the prominent spiral motif, a shape that winds its way through the history of art. The spiral form, often seen as a symbol of life, death, and rebirth, appears in ancient Minoan art, Celtic knotwork, and even the Baroque architecture of Borromini. Think of the double helix of DNA or the swirling patterns of galaxies; the spiral embodies the very structure of existence. It represents dynamic movement, energy, and the eternal unfolding of time. This form speaks to our collective memory and the primal, subconscious connection to the rhythms of nature. It also carries a powerful psychological weight, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The dynamism inherent in the spiral suggests a powerful force. And so it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.