Framed Flower Painting 1937

Clarence Secor rendered this floral painting inside a wooden frame. The arrangement of these flowers is no accident, for the wreath is one of the oldest symbols known to humanity, dating back to ancient Greece. Wreaths made of leaves, flowers, and branches originally served as emblems of victory or status, think of laurel wreaths for triumphant athletes or military leaders. But over time, the wreath became more widely associated with cycles, eternity, and renewal. Perhaps it is this subconscious understanding that makes the floral wreath a common motif on tombstones. In this context, the symbol transforms; it is no longer a celebration, but a poignant reminder of life's transient beauty. The wreath is not merely decorative, it's a vessel of collective memory. This circular arrangement is not just visually pleasing; it resonates with our deepest understanding of life's cyclical nature. It is an eternal return of symbols in our collective consciousness.