Bord, met op het plat enkele figuren in een tuin c. 1853 - 1867

This plate depicts, in blue hues, figures enjoying leisure within a stylized garden. The garden— a motif resonant across epochs— acts as more than mere backdrop; it is a symbolic enclosure, a sanctuary. Consider the "hortus conclusus," the enclosed garden of medieval art, often representing purity and spiritual refuge. Here, the garden evokes similar connotations of peace. The palm tree towers centrally, a symbol of victory, eternal life, and, in broader terms, triumph over adversity. The garden, from the idyllic landscapes of ancient Roman frescoes to the carefully cultivated spaces of the Renaissance, it continuously mirrors humanity's longing for harmony. It is a recurring motif, revealing our collective aspirations for order, beauty, and escape. Each instance echoes throughout time, resonating within our cultural memory. This circular tableau invites us to meditate on the enduring power of symbols, constantly resurfacing, evolving, yet eternally linked to our shared human experience.