Bloemenrand met insecten before 1683

This floral border with insects was created in the 16th century by the Monogrammist AP. At first glance, the abundance of flora and fauna might simply evoke the beauty of nature, but look closer, and you’ll notice how the wreath is far from a simple decoration. The circular arrangement of flowers carries echoes of ancient Roman triumphal wreaths, symbols of victory and eternity, passed down through the ages. A wreath is an emblem of cyclical return and regeneration, but here, the inclusion of insects—traditionally associated with the ephemeral nature of life—adds a layer of complexity. Consider how the wreath has appeared in different contexts throughout history. In ancient Greece, wreaths of laurel crowned victors and poets, while in Christian art, wreaths of thorns symbolize sacrifice and suffering. The image is a profound meditation on the interconnectedness of life and death, beauty and decay, evoking a primal response within us.