Meander (art)

The meander is used since the Neolithic orthogonal ornament. The name was inspired by the homonymous river bends. A special form of the meander is the so-called double meander. This consists of two oppositely extending meanders. The rounded shape is called Running Dog.

Meanders are found for example in the borders of garments or as a structure -enhancing relief and frieze in architecture. There they are also in the Pompeian wall painting, for example, in the Villa Mysterii or mysteries villa in Pompeii, but here as a double meander. Meanders are originally hallmarks of a Greek art. They were always used as a frieze. For wallpapers, there are many decorative strips with the design meander.

In ancient Greece, this ornament for the attainment of eternity is as continuous in time through reproduction. An aging system is composed of a young in his place and thus attains immortality. The older beings curls up while a young unfolds. There is an allusion to the ancient and eternally young god Eros and the ever- renewing energy of the cosmos.

A so-called " Meandros " ( meander ), adorns the flag of the neo-nazi party Golden Dawn in Greece.

Examples of meandering

Complex meandering

• Basic form

Double meander

• Examples from '' A Handbook of Ornament ''. 1898 or earlier
• Page 129, explanations of Plate 81-84, fret = meander
• Plate 81
• Plate 82
• Plate 83
• Plate 84