Schouw met spiegel after 1784

This is an architectural drawing depicting a fireplace, brimming with classical motifs. The garlands and wreaths above the mirror were a popular way to decorate Roman temples. We see similar festoons on triumphal arches, evoking victory and celebration. Consider how these elements evolved. From adorning sacred spaces to becoming fashionable emblems of domestic aspiration. Note the egg-and-dart molding. This motif can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it symbolized the cycle of life. Its appearance here suggests a desire to imbue the home with timeless values. It's fascinating to observe how forms from antiquity resurface, each time carrying a blend of original and newly acquired meanings, reflecting our continuous engagement with the past. Like recurring dreams, these symbols tap into a collective memory, shaping our present.