Design for a ceiling with floral design 1850 - 1900

Jules Lachaise created this ceiling design with floral designs in the early 20th century. Dominating the composition are stylized floral motifs arranged with a distinct symmetry, surrounding what seems to be a star. The four-petal design, reminiscent of a stylized cross or compass rose, speaks to a deeply rooted human fascination with orientation and direction. Such motifs appear across cultures, from ancient Egyptian art to medieval Christian iconography, each time carrying connotations of spiritual guidance or cosmic order. Even the endless knot on the corners, a symbol found in Buddhist art, reappears here. The persistent allure of these symbols lies perhaps in their ability to tap into our collective unconscious, evoking a sense of stability and harmony. Like a familiar dream, these images resurface, each time transformed by the unique cultural milieu, yet retaining a flicker of their primal power.