Hooked Rug 1935 - 1942

This hooked rug was made by Barnes, who lived between 1855 and 1995. The most immediate element that strikes the eye is the bouquet of flowers. Flowers throughout history have been used as symbols, representing life, death, and renewal. In ancient Greece, flowers were associated with gods and goddesses, often adorning statues and temples. This symbolism evolved through the Middle Ages, where flowers began to take on religious meanings, each bloom and color representing specific virtues or saints. Here, in this rug, the arrangement of flowers can be viewed through the lens of collective memory, the echoes of centuries of cultural association imbuing it with a power that speaks directly to our subconscious. The flowers create a visual language connecting the past and present, tapping into deeply rooted emotions and beliefs. This emotional resonance is a potent force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This is not a linear progression; instead, it is a cyclical resurfacing of ancient symbols that find new expression in each era.