Candace Wheeler double frame 1880 - 1900

This textile double frame was designed by Associated Artists, likely at the end of the 19th century. On a shimmering golden background, dragonflies hover among stylized lotus blossoms. The lotus has long been a symbol of purity, rebirth, and enlightenment, particularly revered in Eastern traditions. In ancient Egypt, it represented the sun and creation, while in Buddhism, it signifies spiritual awakening. Here, the Associated Artists merge these deeply rooted cultural symbols with the Art Nouveau style. Notice how the dragonflies flit through the scene. These creatures often symbolize transformation, adaptability, and a connection to the natural world. The use of these motifs creates a dreamlike quality, a kind of collective memory of nature, connecting viewers to a shared human experience of beauty. This combination evokes a powerful emotional response, a feeling of serene contemplation, as we are reminded of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth that is deeply ingrained in the human psyche.