Repetitive pattern in white and grey on a black ground 1703 - 1712

Daniël Marot created this pattern in white and grey on a black ground, now held at the Rijksmuseum, during a time of elaborate ornamentation. The dominant visual symbols are curvilinear forms intertwined with floral motifs, reflecting a broader cultural fascination with nature adapted into stylized, decorative designs. Notice how the 'S' curves and acanthus-like leaves echo patterns found in classical architecture, evoking a sense of timeless elegance. These motifs can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where similar forms adorned temples and public buildings. However, their re-emergence in the Baroque era reflects a shift in meaning, from symbols of civic pride to expressions of personal wealth and refined taste. It is a cyclical return, a subconscious pull toward forms that resonate with our collective memory of beauty and order. This pattern serves as a powerful emotional link to the past, a testament to the enduring human desire for harmony and aesthetic pleasure.