We have seen them adorning the noble heads of ancient Greek and Roman writers, generals, and philosophers. Even the illustrious Julius Caesar wore a laurel wreath—though legend suggests he used it, in part, to conceal his receding hairline. But what has the laurel wreath truly signified throughout history?
“Resting on One’s Laurels”
The phrase “resting on one’s laurels” is widely recognized, meaning to relax after a significant triumph or a job well done. Here is the story behind that expression.
Where does it come from and what does it mean?
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A laurel wreath is a circular crown crafted from the intertwined branches and leaves of the Laurus nobilis. This evergreen tree, which can reach heights of 10 meters, is famous for its fragrant foliage.
While ancient Egyptians wore headpieces known as garlands—typically woven from flowers—it was in Greece and, later, Rome, that emperors began wearing laurel wreaths. They were awarded to brave soldiers as a high honor to commemorate their heroic deeds.
In fact, “laurel” and “flowers” (specifically roses) held distinct literal and symbolic meanings. The laurel is known for its endurance, while flowers wither quickly. From this perspective, the laurel represents everlasting victory, whereas flowers, particularly roses, have symbolized respect for the dead and offerings since antiquity—a tradition that persists to this day.
The Laurel in Modern Times
At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece revived this glorious tradition by awarding laurel wreaths to the winners.
In many countries, the laurel wreath remains a symbol of excellence and achievement in academia. It is still a central feature in many university graduation ceremonies. Furthermore, the term “laureate”—often associated with the brilliance of a novelist, filmmaker, or poet—is derived directly from this ancient crown.
Napoleon’s Gold
When the artist Jacques-Louis David was commissioned to capture the “Coronation of Napoleon” on canvas, he painted The Coronation of the Emperor. A fundamental element of the piece is the crown worn by the man who once ruled half of Europe. Napoleon sought to evoke the classicism of ancient victors like Julius Caesar, but he required something more sophisticated and dazzling.
Thus, he chose a gold crown imitating laurel leaves—a choice more fitting for Bonaparte.
This wasn’t just a painted symbol; it was a physical masterpiece. It was commissioned from the goldsmith Martin Guillaume Biennais, who crafted the crown by interlocking 44 large leaves and twelve smaller ones. Napoleon liked it, but he complained about its weight. Consequently, Biennais removed six leaves, gifting one to each of his daughters. In a remarkable twist of history, one of those original leaves was auctioned at Fontainebleau for $589,000, according to the Osenat auction house, which managed the sale.
