Guillaume 1er dans son collège de Tabac 

Alphonse Mucha painted this watercolor and gouache artwork, Guillaume 1er dans son collège de Tabac. At first glance, the scene is dominated by the convivial gathering, but look closer. The act of communal smoking, of sharing tobacco, is symbolic. It's a ritual of bonding, present in many cultures, reminiscent of ancient peace pipe ceremonies where smoking sealed agreements and fostered unity. Even now, we see the sharing of cigarettes as an inherently social act, forming community and camaraderie. Notice also the stag antlers hanging overhead. Are they merely decorative? Or do they evoke a primal, hunting past, a time when such trophies represented power and dominance? Think of the recurring motif of animal remains in folklore and mythology; they connect us to the deep, subconscious layers of our human psyche. The men’s expressions, ranging from contemplative to mirthful, engage us. It is a powerful force, stirring feelings that are passed down through generations, forever evolving. This is the cyclical progression of symbols.