Motifs are a powerful touchstone, bridging the gap between history and design, past and present. While some have been relegated to the ages, many are seeing new iterations, blending into the design schemes of today. Let’s take a peek into the fascinating stories of their symbolism.

Quatrefoil – From the French, literally meaning four leaves or petals, such as a four-leaf clover. It’s popularity peaked during the Gothic Revival and Renaissance periods, and can be seen on countless churches and cathedrals to this day. It has also been an official part of the Bishop James Madison Society, established 1812 at the College of William and Mary, and the national symbol of the women’s fraternity Phi Mu, the 2nd oldest female fraternity and founded at Wesleyan College in 1852.

Fleur de lis – Originally used by French royalty as far back as the 12th century. It depicts three petals of the iris flower, literally “flowers of the lily”. It is a symbol of royalty and government for many countries; England, Scotland, Hungary, Italy and Bosnia, to name a few. The three petals have been associated with the Holy Trinity, and also represent faith, wisdom and chivalry. Like the quatrefoil, it is used by military and fraternal organizations, and surprisingly, it is incorporated into the badging for the Chevrolet Corvette! The fleur de lis is the main element in the logo of most Scouting organizations, representing the themes of the outdoors and wilderness.

Greek Key – Also known as the Meander, recalling the twisting and turning path of the Maeander River of southwestern Turkey. It is the geometric basis for fretwork, and the most common decorative element in Greek and Roman art, and is common in present day architecture as a neoclassical element. The Greek Key is the most important motif of ancient Greece and symbolized infinity and unity.

Napoleonic Bee – A symbol of immortality and resurrection, the bee linked the new dynasty of Napoleon to very early France. Golden bees, also known as cicadas, are considered the oldest emblem of the sovereigns of France. Bees have been featured in royal coats of arms in France since the Merovingian dynasty (550-750 AD), and the Egyptians used them as a symbol of royal power as far back is 3000 BC. Napoleon was a big fan of Egyptian history.

Connecting the dots between then and now, yesterday and today.

Author: Martha Kirkpatrick

Martha is Director, Member Services for Gibson Design Management and a sourcing specialist for the interior design industry.

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