Portret van Gustave Rebray before 1889

Here, we see a portrait of Gustave Rebray, captured in print, framed by a wreath of laurel leaves. This wreath, a potent symbol, hearkens back to ancient Greece, where laurel crowned victors, poets, and heroes, signifying triumph and immortal fame. Think of Apollo, god of arts, perpetually adorned with laurel. In Rebray's portrait, the laurel suggests an aspiration to literary greatness, a hope for enduring recognition. Yet, observe how this classical motif evolves. The leaves, once emblems of pagan gods, were re-purposed in Christian art to signify divine grace. The cyclical progression of symbols reveals how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, echoing through time. This wreath becomes a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.