Baan veloutébehang c. 1700 - 1750

This is 'Baan veloutébehang', a section of anonymous wallpaper, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Dominating the pattern are the peacock and various floral motifs. The peacock, often a symbol of vanity and pride, carries a complex history, once also representing immortality and renewal in ancient cultures. Observe how the peacock motif reappears across various eras—from Roman mosaics to Renaissance paintings. This visual echo reveals how symbols migrate, adapting to new cultural landscapes. Consider the 'peacock chair' popular in the late 19th century, an exotic addition to the home, reflecting a fascination with the East and a desire for opulence. What is more, the floral designs have a long association with the divine, often representing paradise and the beauty of the natural world. The recurring patterns within the wallpaper resonate with our deeply ingrained desire for order and beauty, engaging us on a subconscious level with their familiar forms. The images and their meanings are not stagnant, they are alive. The cyclical resurgence and reinterpretation of these symbols speak to the enduring power of cultural memory.