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Floral symbolism has long been a source of inspiration for artists. For example, in Ancient Egypt, the sacred lotus, a symbol of resurrection, adorned temples and pyramids, while in Ancient Greece, hawthorn was associated with love
Even today, art experts are still figuring out what flowers meant in old paintings. In medieval iconography and painting, flowers played a significant role, carrying deep symbolic meaning. Works such as Martin Schongauer's "Madonna in a Rose Bower" illustrate this: the rose, a traditional attribute of the Virgin Mary (compared in the Psalms to a flowering garden), is depicted here in a paradisiacal bower, however, the rose thorns allude to the suffering of Christ who wore the crown of thorns. Other flowers, such as the white rose, symbolize innocence, and the iris, the immaculate conception. Basically, the flowers added another layer of meaning to the religious story
Martin Schongauer "Madonna in a Rose Bower"
Pre-Raphaelite painters also used flowers to add meaning.In one of his most famous works, "Ophelia", John Everett Millais depicted the death scene of Shakespeare's heroine. He painted nature from life, as the Pre-Raphaelites believed that only accuracy would save English painting from degradation. The roses near Ophelia's cheek and dress, and the field on the bank, are likely a reference to Laertes calling her "a rose of May." Willow, nettle, and daisy are associated with pain and innocence. Elizabeth Siddal, for whom the painting became a kind of symbol of early death. For four months, she had to pose lying in a tub of water heated by lamps. Once the lamps went out, she caught a cold, and her father, threatening the artist with a lawsuit, obtained payment for the doctor's services. But the prescribed medicine (an opium tincture) undermined her health and siddal died at age 33 from an overdose
John Everett Millais "Ophelia"
Van Gogh's super-expensive "Irises" is equally rich in symbolism. Painted in a mental asylum, the vibrant purple hues, a mix of stimulating red and serene blue, likely reflected Van Gogh's own turbulent emotional state. He considered the painting a "lightning rod for his illness", believing the act of painting helped him manage his condition
Vincent van Gogh "Irises"
This is just the tip of the iceberg, though you see it tons in still lifes, where even individual fruits, vegetables and their combinations carry meaning, but I wanted to start with these iconic examples
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arentcatsthecutest4
I love this post, it’s so interesting!! I only know very little about flower symbolism since i use it in lots of my writing
If you want to expand your knowledge base, there's a book on floriography called "Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers" by Jessica Roux
Also, I wish you a successful writing journey!
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
thank you so much, I’ll totally get that book soon <33
by arentcatsthecutest4; ; Report
EliZabeth
Woaahh ! i didn't know this, it is so cool !
I'm glad you liked it!
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
CassaBassa !!!
wait I'd actually love to read everything you have to write about symbolisms in art, I love watching people paint and I always wonder what goes through their head throughout the process
I'm glad you're interested in symbolism and art too! As soon as I have some free time I'll be happy to post about symbolism in still lifes
I might not have thought of any particular still life paintings yet, but Caravaggio is definitely one of the artists that comes to mind
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
Ooo cool, I'll have to look him up!
by CassaBassa !!!; ; Report
G1rl_Fa1lure
This and religious symbolism (even tho I'm not religious it still fascinates me)
I totally get you! You don't need to be religious to appreciate it, just like you don't need to be a history buff to admire an ancient castle
Sometimes, beauty and complexity are universal
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
I find chapels (especially older ones) absolutely gorgeous. The stained glass windows, high ceilings, intricate details, and artwork impress me every time I see one. It's a level of design I wish still remained in the modern world.
by G1rl_Fa1lure; ; Report
Yeah... The architecture has such a profound history with interesting forms and decorative elements (Gothic, Baroque...), yet everything comes to the construction of human anthills devoid of individuality or cardboard copy-paste houses
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
HAZEL ★ [autoplay]
This is actually really cool!! I knew rose colors had symbolism and stuff but I didn't know other flowers did as well :D
there's actually a lot of meaning there because the symbolism of flowers has changed over time, plus the meanings differ from country to country... so each painting should be analyzed separately, taking into account the context, but I'm glad that I was at least able to show you a couple of these meanings
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
HAZEL ★ [autoplay]
This is actually really cool!! I knew rose colors had symbolism and stuff but I didn't know other flowers did as well :D
ななwattson~
really nice blog, I never thought about how meaningful certain details might be, thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for the kind words!
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
Liaam
Todo está tan bien explicado, ¡Me encanta!
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
binker
this is like so beautiful da fuck
Thank you! 💙
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
Taylor
I've always enjoyed art, but I never looked into the meaningfulness of it, wonderful post!
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Since art is generally static, many artists strive to tell a story through the compositional elements and small symbolic cues, especially through flowers
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
wyll
wow, i had no idea how much flowers were used as symbolism in art,,, then again i don't really study that kind of stuff too often, but i find it really interesting now. this blog is super cool
૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა
glad you enjoyed it and learned something new!
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
Th3s4US
flowers are so pretty!! i wish i could be one.
It would be so relaxing, just sitting there looking pretty
But at least we can appreciate them, which is pretty awesome too!
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
mie
the way you wrote it all was super interesting !!! ♡
ps.: what's the song you used ?
aww thanks!
that's "Silhouette in Sunset" from the visual novel Everlasting Summer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpe5q0uDwIg
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report
tysm !
by mie; ; Report
Nova ♡
Great post as well as music!
THANK YOU!!!!! ( ´ ▿ ` )
looking forward to sharing more drafts in the future!
by seddori (semi-active); ; Report