Freia 1822

Søren Henrik Petersen rendered this drawing of Freia in the 19th century. Freia, the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, sits enthroned, holding a wreath, a classical symbol of victory and honor, but here, perhaps an emblem of the cyclical nature of life and seasons. Flanking her are two figures, perhaps representing attendants or aspects of Freia herself, embodying beauty and allure. At her feet, a pair of cats, sacred to the goddess, evoke domesticity, care and magic, linking the human and natural realms. Consider the wreath: from ancient Greece where it signified triumph, to its Christian adaptation symbolizing virtue and saintly recognition, it is a potent motif of attainment and reverence, yet, its circular form echoes the unending, a visual echo of eternal return. This visual vocabulary connects to humanity’s most primal yearnings and fears. We find a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The symbol is in non-linear, cyclical progression, resurfacing and evolving with new meanings across different historical contexts.