Reliëf met bloemen en bladranken, gebeeldhouwd door Jean Herman before 1880

This sculpted relief by Jean Herman features a dense array of flowers and foliage. Such motifs are not mere decoration; they are symbolic carriers of life, growth, and renewal, deeply rooted in human consciousness across cultures. Consider the garland: from ancient Roman triumphal arches to Renaissance paintings, it appears as a symbol of celebration and cyclical return, often tied to fertility rites and seasonal festivities. The organic forms intertwine, echoing the complex weave of human experience and collective memory. Even the stylized depiction of leaves, ubiquitous in classical ornament, evokes the life force—a constant, subconscious reminder of nature's enduring power. This isn't just about aesthetics; it taps into a primal human connection to the natural world, evoking a sense of harmony and continuity. As these motifs resurface and evolve, they demonstrate how symbols are continuously reinterpreted, reflecting our ever-changing relationship with the world.