Marronnier 1896

Here is the audio guide script: Maurice Pillard Verneuil captured the Marronnier, or horse chestnut, with precise detail. This print showcases each stage of the tree's life cycle: the buds, leaves, flowers, and spiky fruit. The marronnier, like many botanical symbols, carries a rich history. In folklore, the tree is seen as a symbol of protection and healing. Its leaves, arranged like a hand, appear across cultures as symbols of shelter and defense. Think of the Hamsa hand, a motif found from the Middle East to North Africa, believed to ward off the evil eye. The arrangement and protective connotations echo through time. The blossoms, with their upward-reaching panicles, are not unlike spires, and instill a sense of aspiration. The tree's presence in gardens and parks provides a silent but constant source of comfort. From ancient talismans to modern designs, we see the marronnier's essence continuously re-imagined. It is a testament to our innate connection with the natural world.