Courge 3 1896

Maurice Pillard Verneuil crafted this artwork, "Courge 3," with the medium of pochoir. Here, the vegetal world is meticulously ordered and presented. Leaves, flowers and gourds create a symphony of patterned motifs across the three panels, revealing the enduring echoes of nature. The gourd motif, reminiscent of the vessel used to carry water, has been a consistent element in art history. Think of the ancient Greek amphora, or the pilgrim's flask; all vessels suggesting journeys and sustenance. We also see the gourd in sacred paintings as a symbol of resurrection. The visual patterns in this composition suggest that the life of symbols is never linear, but ever cyclical. The gourds, leaves and vines re-emerge, taking on new meanings in different historical contexts, continuously evolving in their representation. These motifs serve as a testament to the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world.