Ovaal medaillon en twaalf kleinere motieven 1619

This ornamental print, created by Jacques Hurtu around the early 17th century, features a central oval medallion surrounded by twelve smaller motifs, all rendered in stark black ink. The swirling foliage and symmetrical arrangements are evocative of classical acanthus leaves, symbols of enduring life and regeneration. These motifs echo through the ages, resurfacing in Romanesque friezes and Renaissance tapestries alike. Observe how the stylized floral patterns, reminiscent of blossoming life, also bear a stark contrast through their black ink, hinting at the ephemeral nature of existence. This echoes the memento mori tradition, a poignant reminder of mortality. The psychological weight of such symbols taps into our collective memory, stirring a subconscious awareness of life’s cyclical dance between growth and decay. Note the powerful and recurring nature of this imagery, engaging viewers on a primal, emotional level. From ancient times to Hurtu's era, and even now, they continue to speak to us.