Firescreen 1884

This stained glass fire screen was crafted by John La Farge, a master of light and color. At its heart, we see a wreath of leaves intertwined with ribbons, a symbol deeply rooted in the classical world. The wreath, or garland, evokes ancient Roman triumphs, adorning victors and marking sacred spaces. But, it also appears in funerary art, signifying eternal life. Consider its appearance on ancient sarcophagi, then leap forward to Renaissance paintings where it frames sacred figures, and then to the Victorian era, where it became a common motif in domestic decor, like here. The subconscious appeal of this emblem lies in its cyclical nature: a continuous loop promising renewal and continuity. The delicate balance of color and light in La Farge’s work speaks to our enduring fascination with these symbols and the eternal dance of life, death, and rebirth, engaging our emotions on a profound level. It represents a non-linear progression, where the meaning of the wreath evolves but always resurfaces.