Circus Pony Robe 1941

This Circus Pony Robe was made by Herman O. Stroh, and features a central floral arrangement framed by laurel wreaths and a Greek key pattern. The arrangement of floral motifs, especially when encircled by laurel wreaths, evokes a sense of celebration. The wreath, a symbol of victory and honor since ancient Greece, entwines the flowers, creating a visual vocabulary of joy and festivity. The Greek key border, also known as a meander pattern, has roots stretching back to antiquity, gracing architecture and pottery. Its labyrinthine form suggests the eternal flow of life and the interconnectedness of all things. These symbols are not confined to their original contexts; they reappear across cultures and epochs. The floral motif, for example, is seen in religious art across many cultures, symbolizing purity, fertility, and renewal. Such emblems tap into collective memories, resonating with subconscious associations and speaking to a deep, shared human experience of celebration and continuity. We see symbols in a cyclical progression, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.