Menukaart 1896

This is a menu card made by Mathieu Lauweriks in 1905. Its stylized decorations reveal a fascination with the symbolic language of form. Observe how the symmetrical arrangement and the eagle motif above the word "MENU" evoke classical order and power. The eagle, a symbol deeply rooted in antiquity, represents imperial authority, courage, and divine ascent. We find its echoes in Roman standards and Renaissance emblems. The rhythmic, curling patterns along the border hint at an organic vitality, a life force. Consider how such motifs migrate through time, resurfacing in unexpected contexts. The eagle, for instance, might transform from a symbol of Roman imperial power to a national emblem, its core meaning of authority and strength persisting, yet subtly shifting. It is a testament to the enduring power of symbols to reflect and shape our collective memory.