Briefpapier van drukkerij Myers and Company te Londen c. 1851 - 1857

This is stationery from the London printing firm Myers and Company, featuring an allegorical figure representing 'Commerce'. Here, the woman symbolizes economic exchange, draped in flowing garments, bearing resemblance to classical depictions of Fortuna or Victory. Yet, the concept of 'Commerce' as a divine or semi-divine entity echoes earlier Roman and Greek deities associated with trade, abundance, and prosperity. We find similar figures gracing Renaissance merchant guilds and early modern trade publications, their forms evolving yet their message constant: the promise of wealth and connection through trade. The depiction is not merely an emblem of a business, it taps into a deep-seated, collective desire for prosperity. This yearning is what gives this seemingly simple piece of ephemera its enduring psychological power, reminding us of the continuous dance between aspiration and material culture throughout history. Symbols like 'Commerce' are in constant flux, constantly evolving, revealing the rich tapestry of human endeavor.