Affiche voor een expositie van de Salon des Cent 1895

This advertisement for the Salon des Cent exhibition, designed by Charles Lapierre, presents a stylish woman adorned with a large floral hat. This hat, a symbol of feminine grace, is not merely a fashion accessory; it’s an emblem of cultural memory. The woman's hat echoes the headdresses found in classical depictions of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring. This association links her to themes of renewal, beauty, and the cyclical nature of life. We find similar motifs in Renaissance paintings, where floral elements signify earthly and spiritual blossoming. But consider how this symbol has evolved. In earlier times, floral crowns denoted sacred power, whereas here, the hat is a decorative flourish, a signifier of modern, urban femininity. This shift reflects the secularization of symbols, their adaptation to new contexts, and their emotional power. The hat becomes a focal point, inviting the viewer to partake in the 'fin de siècle' world of art and beauty, engaging us on a subconscious level by tapping into deeply ingrained archetypes of beauty and renewal. The power of symbols is never extinguished. It lies dormant, waiting to resurface and bloom again.