Opera Nova Universali intitulata Corona di racammi, page 27 (recto) 1530

This is a woodcut from Giovanni Andrea Vavassore’s "Corona di racammi," dating back to the 16th century. It features two distinct patterns: one of floral symmetry, and another of interweaving knots. These intertwining knots are more than mere decoration; they evoke the ancient symbol of the knot that appears throughout history. From Celtic art to the ornamentation of illuminated manuscripts, this motif transcends cultural boundaries. It speaks to a deep-seated human fascination with the infinite, the interconnectedness of all things. Think of the endless knot in Buddhism, symbolizing the interwoven nature of reality and the eternal flow of time, or the Roman love knots. This symbol resurfaces throughout centuries, continually embodying themes of unity, eternity, and mystery. These patterns, embedded deep in our collective consciousness, tap into a shared cultural memory, resonating with us on a profound, subconscious level. We see here how symbols are never truly bound by time but are instead continually resurrected and reinterpreted.