Palmbomen before 1892

From an unknown date, this printed page presents us with a vision of palms. These palms, under the title “Cocotiers a Banane” immediately conjure up a vision of bounty and tropical abundance. Yet, let us consider the palm throughout history. In ancient Mesopotamia, the date palm was a symbol of fertility and prosperity, often depicted in royal imagery. This association traveled through time, appearing in Roman art, where palms symbolized victory. The early Christians then adopted the palm as a symbol of martyrdom and spiritual triumph. Consider how the palm has adapted, becoming a generic signifier for tropical idylls. In tourism, the palm promises escape and relaxation, shedding its ancient associations and embracing a contemporary association with leisure. This transformation is telling; the image of the palm evokes a primal desire for paradise.