During its 60th anniversary celebration in 2017, GQ Magazine named Lebron James “the greatest living athlete” and explained that the publication’s glowing description of James was a result of his accomplishments on the court and his leadership — in the realm of philanthropy and culture — off the court. The article, written by Mark Anthony Green, explained that the combination of James’ athleticism, skills, sense of responsibility, and service to others distinguished him as the greatest competitor of our time.
GQ’s assessment was expressed not merely with words; it was asserted visually with one of the oldest symbols of praise and adoration in history, the laurel wreath. The cover photo, taken by Pari Dukovic, featured Lebron James wearing a golden laurel wreath crown upon his head.
The laurel crown carries a completely different historical connotation from the monarchial crown traditionally worn by kings. The monarchial crown is about someone gaining power and authority through tradition or birthright; while the laurel wreath crown is about esteem and adulation that is earned. In the case of Lebron James, the use of the laurel crown is filled with poetic irony because throughout James’ career he often has been referred to as “King James” by both himself and others. GQ’s decision to invoke James’ “royal reputation” with a laurel wreath instead of a traditional crown was an intentional way of the magazine asserting that James earned his “kingship” instead of it being given to him.
The use of laurel wreaths as a form of praise and adoration began in the ancient world. The ancient Greeks used them to commend those with artistic and literary achievements, and the Romans invoked them to celebrate those who earned political and military victories. Over time, the symbol has come to signify an individual who possesses talents, skills, and character that are exceptional.
Both during and after his life, laurel wreath crowns were used as a visual signal of adoration for George Washington. Although he was a slaveowner, which is unconscionable to our modern sensibilities, he was one of the most revered luminaries of his time. In fact, in the late 18th century, Washington was compared to the ancient Roman leader, Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, who successfully guided his countrymen in battle during the 5th century and then relinquished his power to return to life as a civilian.
Washington behaved similarly. After securing American independence through the Revolutionary War, he resigned his position as Commander of the Continental Forces. His willingness to surrender his military authority after his victory caused people in both America and Europe to view him as one of “the greatest” men of their time.
This characterization of Washington is part of the reason he was chosen as America’ first president, and it is the reason why he is depicted often as an ancient Roman hero with a laurel crown placed upon his head.
In 2004, laurel wreaths re-emerged as a major signifier of honor during the summer Olympics in Athens. This was a way of visually honoring the exceptionalism of each country’s most elite athletic competitors by connecting them to notable achievers of the past.
Today, wreaths still are used as ways of honoring exemplary accomplishment and character.
They are bestowed upon individuals who define their time by exhibiting qualities that are timeless.
