Manhattan Mary 2 

This is Manhattan Mary 2, an illustration by Erte. Note the stylized, spiraling patterns adorning the figure's sleeves. Such motifs echo ancient depictions of cosmic energy, much like the swirling vortexes seen in Minoan art, where spirals symbolized the life force and the cyclical nature of existence. Consider how these spirals differ from their ancient counterparts. Here, they speak to the Art Deco movement's embrace of modernity, a visual dance between progress and the echoes of antiquity. The circle, a shape primal in its symbolism, appears as a recurring motif too, drawing from prehistoric mandalas. In a psychological sense, these patterns tap into our collective unconscious. They resonate with a sense of order and the infinite, a feeling that is passed down through generations. The enduring power of symbols like these lies in their ability to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings.