Art History: Argonaut Meander

The meander, also known as the Greek key or meandros, is one of the most iconic motifs in ancient Greek design. It takes its name from the winding Maiandros (Meander) River in Asia Minor, famous for its twisting course. In art and architecture, the pattern symbolized infinity, unity, and the eternal flow of life.

The “Argonaut meander” is a particular variation of this motif, often associated with depictions from the myth of the Argonauts—the legendary band of heroes who sailed with Jason in search of the Golden Fleece. In Greek vase painting and decorative borders, the Argonaut meander was used to frame heroic scenes, giving them both order and symbolic weight. Its continuous, interlocking design echoed the themes of journey, interconnectedness, and destiny present in the Argonaut saga.

By the Classical period (5th–4th century BCE), the Argonaut meander had become a staple of Greek visual language, appearing on pottery, temple friezes, mosaics, and later jewelry. Beyond its beauty, it carried cultural meaning: strength, unity, and the unbroken path of life—qualities that resonated deeply in both everyday objects and heroic art.