Tentoonstelling van de Clark Threads Company op de Internationale Koloniale en Uitvoerhandel Tentoonstelling in Amsterdam Possibly 1883 - 1885

This image by the Hisgen Brothers captures the Clark Threads Company exhibit at the International Colonial and Export Exhibition in Amsterdam. The elaborate display features a lion perched atop a gothic-inspired structure. The lion, a recurring motif throughout history, traditionally symbolizes strength, courage, and royalty. In ancient cultures, it was a solar symbol, embodying power and dominion. Looking back to antiquity we see the lion was often associated with gods and rulers, and its image was used to legitimize authority. Yet, we have adapted the symbol of the lion to adorn an exhibition stand. The gothic architectural elements evoke a sense of tradition. The diamond motif running along the base can be seen as a connection to wealth and luxury. These symbols, steeped in history and adapted for commercial purposes, engage us on a subconscious level. The display's design merges historical symbolism with the modern drive for industrial and commercial success, creating a powerful, if contradictory, visual statement.