Wensbrief met bloemenkrans en een hooiwagen 1829 - 1880

This "Wensbrief met bloemenkrans en een hooiwagen" is an undated print, whose creator we do not know. It features a decorative border of flowers surrounding a bucolic scene of workers with hay wagons. The floral wreath motif, abundant with roses, violets and morning glory, speaks to a deep-seated human desire to frame and elevate our experiences. This concept echoes ancient Roman customs, where wreaths of laurel symbolized victory and honor. Yet, here, the wreath embraces a humble scene of labor, transforming it into an idealized vision of rural life. Consider how the wreath, a symbol of cyclical continuity, reappears in funerary art and festive celebrations. It is a motif that perpetually resurfaces, each time imbued with new significance. The collective subconscious recognizes this symbol, and while its meaning has altered through time, it maintains a connection to ideas of celebration and the rhythm of life.