Fryz o motywach palmet ujętych w ukośne kraty. Karton do polichromii Kościoła Mariackiego 1889 - 1891

This is Jan Matejko’s design on paper for the polychromy of St. Mary's Church, featuring palmettes within a lattice of diagonal lines. The palmette, a stylized, fan-shaped floral motif, carries a rich symbolic weight, evoking notions of growth, prosperity, and even immortality. We see this form echo through time, from ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian art to Greek and Roman architectural ornaments. Consider how the palmette in ancient Egypt, often associated with the Tree of Life, contrasts with its later adaptation in classical friezes, where it becomes a symbol of refined elegance. The diagonal grid, suggesting interconnectedness and dynamism, heightens the emotional impact, drawing the viewer into a subconscious interplay between natural growth and structured order. Thus, this design serves as a potent reminder of how symbols evolve, carrying layers of cultural memory across centuries.