Festoen van vruchten before 1624

This "Festoen van vruchten," or Garland of Fruits, was created by Dietrich Krüger, around the turn of the 17th century. In it, the image of clustered fruits and foliage isn't merely decorative; it carries echoes of ancient symbols of abundance, fertility, and the cyclical nature of life. Consider the motif of the garland itself. It’s an ancient device, seen draped across Roman altars, and later adorning Renaissance paintings. Krüger’s garland is a distant relative of those ancient wreaths, yet it has been transformed, imbued with a new spirit reflective of its time. The fruit, a common symbol, signifies not only plenty but also pleasure. It is an earthly delight, and also a subtle reminder of the transience of earthly pleasures. We see a resurgence of this imagery throughout the ages, like a recurring dream in the collective psyche of humanity. The emotional and psychological weight carried by these fruits resonate deeply, engaging us in a dialogue that transcends time. They evoke feelings of hope and joy. Thus, the garland lives on, evolving, reappearing, and perpetually finding new voices in the visual arts.