Foremost in the Envious Race 1885

Will Hicock Low’s watercolor artwork presents a classical scene of a chariot race, flanked by angelic figures. The laurel wreath, prominently displayed, symbolizes victory and triumph. This motif, deeply rooted in ancient Greek and Roman culture, was awarded to victors in athletic and poetic contests. Observe how the angelic figures, standing on orbs, hold similar wreaths. This echoes the Renaissance concept of putti, cherubic figures that embodied divine love and inspiration. Winged figures, acting as messengers between the heavens and earth, appear throughout Western art. Consider how such symbols evolve. From adorning emperors’ brows to gracing funerary monuments, the wreath’s significance has shifted, yet its core association with honor persists. It taps into our collective memory, stirring a subconscious recognition of human achievement and aspiration. The energy of the race, the glory of victory – these are powerful emotional forces that resonate across time. The images, even divorced from their original contexts, continue to engage viewers, proving the enduring power of symbols.