Portret van Alexandre Roubieu before 1886

This printed portrait of Alexandre Roubieu is adorned with a laurel wreath, a symbol deeply rooted in classical antiquity. The wreath, primarily associated with Apollo, god of music, poetry, and light, signified triumph, honor, and intellectual prowess. We see its echoes through time, from adorning victorious athletes in ancient Greece to crowning emperors and poets. Its repeated appearance in different contexts highlights the enduring human desire to recognize and immortalize excellence. The laurel wreath also carries a powerful psychological weight. It embodies the yearning for recognition and the deep-seated need to leave a lasting mark. Much like the ancient heroes who sought immortality through their deeds, the wreath serves as a reminder of our own aspirations and the relentless pursuit of greatness. It’s a symbol of our timeless quest for meaning, recognition, and transcendence. The persistence of the laurel wreath throughout history demonstrates how symbols evolve and adapt, while still retaining echoes of their original significance. Its continued use speaks to the non-linear progression of cultural memory, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.