Portret van Jean Baptiste Poquelin Molière 1825 - 1899

This print portrays Jean Baptiste Poquelin Molière and was created by L. Bulens. The most striking motif here is the laurel wreath that crowns Molière's head. This symbol, drawn from ancient Greece, traditionally signifies victory and honor, particularly in artistic and intellectual realms. It hearkens back to the classical world, where laurel wreaths were awarded to triumphant athletes, poets, and heroes. We see this motif echoed through the ages, from Roman emperors depicted with laurel crowns to Renaissance poets and artists adopting the symbol to align themselves with the cultural achievements of antiquity. Consider the emotional weight of this symbol: a powerful force, engaging us on a subconscious level. The gesture of bestowing a laurel wreath carries an intense emotional charge, embodying recognition, admiration, and the enduring legacy of human achievement. Thus, the laurel wreath transcends time. It evolves, resurfaces, and takes on new meanings, embodying our collective memory of past glories.