Happiness 

John Duncan painted ‘Happiness’ in the late 19th or early 20th century, capturing a scene of ethereal women amidst lush flora, evoking a sense of classical Arcadia. Roses bloom, symbols of love and beauty, while the women, adorned with delicate fabrics and floral crowns, embody grace and serenity. Observe the central figure's raised arm, a gesture that echoes across centuries. We can see it reflected in ancient depictions of triumphant figures, and in religious art where it signifies blessing and divine favor. This gesture, deeply embedded in our collective memory, transcends its immediate context here. Perhaps this is unconsciously intended by the artist? The motif resonates with the archaic memory of human aspiration and the seeking of higher states. The women symbolize not just happiness, but also a deep, subconscious yearning for harmony and beauty, an echo of our eternal quest for bliss. This symbol is cyclical, surfacing in various forms, each time imbued with new layers of meaning, yet always pointing back to our primal desire for joy and fulfillment.