Reliëf met bladmotief c. 1875 - 1900

Gustave Eugène Chauffourier created this relief with leaf motifs, though we don’t know exactly when. Note the symmetrical arrangement of foliage sprouting from the center. This design is accented by a star motif, all resting above a meandering, serpentine ribbon. The vegetative patterns remind us of similar imagery in ancient Roman art, where such motifs symbolized growth, prosperity, and the cyclical nature of life. This ribbon or band also hearkens back to antiquity. Consider how these motifs have surfaced and resurfaced throughout the ages in funerary art, where they are associated with themes of mourning and remembrance, expressing a longing for renewal and the continuation of life beyond death. The star holds particular significance: an ancient symbol representing guidance, divinity, and hope. Its central placement suggests a beacon illuminating the path forward. Observe how the symmetrical arrangement and balanced composition, combined with these deeply rooted symbols, evoke feelings of harmony and a connection to timeless cultural narratives. These enduring motifs are a potent testament to the cyclical progression of symbols across time.