Ornament met druivenrank 1877 - 1880

Here is a quick sketch of an ornament with grape vines by Jac van Looij. The motif of the grape vine, laden with fruit, stretches back to antiquity, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and revelry. Think of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, and his Roman counterpart, Bacchus, always surrounded by vines, their presence suggesting not just physical plenty but also ecstatic release. This symbol, however, is not confined to classical mythology; it resurfaces in Christian art, where the vine represents Christ, and the grapes symbolize the faithful who partake in His sacrifice. This transformation from pagan festivity to Christian sacrament is a fascinating example of how symbols adapt. Consider, for instance, how the emotional charge of this symbol—the intoxicating mix of joy, freedom, and spiritual communion—continues to resonate, engaging us on a subconscious level. The vine, with its tendrils reaching out, captures our imagination, illustrating a non-linear, cyclical progression, constantly evolving through history.