Oval reliefmedaillon med Homers hoved 1770 - 1772

J.F. Clemens crafted this oval relief of Homer's head in the late 18th or early 19th century. Encircling the poet’s profile, we observe symbols of classical antiquity: a lyre, theatrical masks, and a laurel wreath. The lyre is a direct reference to Apollo, and represents music, harmony, and culture. This instrument, across time, echoes in David's paintings, where it signifies revolutionary ideals, and even further back, in ancient Greek vases, where it accompanies scenes of symposium and drama. The theatrical masks flanking Homer remind us of theater's dual nature—comedy and tragedy. These masks are not mere decorations but vestiges of rituals, much like the dramatic masks found in ancient Greek amphitheaters. The laurel wreath that adorns Homer's head—a symbol of triumph and immortality—finds its roots in Apollo, whose head is crowned with laurel after slaying the serpent Python, as a symbol of victory and eternal life. These symbols, repeated throughout art history, reveal a deep longing for connection and continuity, resonating within our collective cultural psyche.