Blad met omtrek van 25 bladeren van verschillende planten 1738

Jan Wandelaar created this sheet of plant studies using etching. The work methodically lays out twenty-five different leaf structures, each labeled, and categorized under ‘Folia Composita’ and ‘Folia Determinata’. Leaves, in their myriad forms, bear a deep symbolism across cultures. Think of the laurel wreaths of ancient Greece, emblems of triumph and honor. The arrangement of leaves has always carried symbolic weight. Consider the way the symmetry in a simple leaf mirrors the harmony of the natural order, a concept present in ancient Egyptian art and later echoed in the Renaissance. The persistent image of leaves invokes a sense of renewal and continuity. This reflects the eternal cycle of growth and decay, connecting us to the subconscious, the realm of nature, and its life-affirming energy. The image touches a primal chord, resonating with our deepest selves, triggering a sense of belonging in the natural world. The cyclical nature of leaves - sprouting, flourishing, and falling - offers a powerful symbol that continues to evolve.