The Madame B Album 1870

Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier created this watercolour in the 19th century, depicting a doorway adorned with symbolic elements. The rune at the centre is a key motif, evoking ancient Nordic scripts used for communication, divination, and protection. Note how this symbol reappears across history and cultures, from ancient runestones to contemporary art. We might consider the swastika, too, that was once a positive symbol before its appropriation by Nazi Germany. This shows the shifting meanings of symbols across time. The architectural elements are worth noting too: the intricate carvings and stylized figures beside the door draw on medieval aesthetics, embodying a longing for a past age. These visual choices carry psychological weight, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It reflects our collective memory and innate desire to find order and meaning in the world. The rune motif is a prime example of the cyclical progression of visual symbols, resurfacing and evolving through time.