Design for Ceiling with Two Portraits and Fan Supports at Corners 1825 - 1900

John Gregory Crace rendered this ceiling design with watercolor and graphite, inviting us to consider the symbols that define its space. Note the fan-like motifs in the corners. They are reminiscent of the *anthemion*, a classical ornament seen in ancient Greek architecture and pottery. The *anthemion* represents the cyclical nature of life, with its radiating petals evoking both the sun's life-giving rays and the unfolding of a flower. This symbol is not confined to antiquity; it reappears throughout history, adorning neoclassical buildings and decorative arts, each time imbued with renewed cultural significance. Consider how the subconscious power of such symbols endures. The *anthemion's* visual language speaks to our collective memory, connecting us to a lineage of artistic expression that transcends time. The emotional resonance of this motif lies in its ability to evoke a sense of harmony and continuity, reminding us of the eternal cycles that govern our existence. Like a phoenix rising from ashes, the *anthemion* resurfaces, bearing witness to the perpetual dance of cultural memory.