“If you tend to a flower, it will bloom, no matter how many weeds surround it.”
Matshona Dhliwayo
My Modern Met: “How Flowers Blossomed Into One of Art History’s Most Popular Subjects” [*]
“Throughout the history of art, certain subjects have resonated particularly strongly with artists and audiences alike. Ranging from cats to Cupid, these revisited trends reveal art’s most popular muses, with flowers at the forefront.
Rooted in ancient art and still prevalent today, depictions of blossoms, blooms, and other botanical elements can be found in many of the most significant art movements, whether carved into clay or starring in a still-life. Here, we trace the history of the humble flower in art, exploring its evolution and identifying iconographic trends that have attracted artists for centuries.
Ancient Egypt: In Ancient Egyptian mythology, the lotus flower symbolized the sun and had strong ties to the concept of creation and rebirth. A simplified and stylized lotus motif was often used to adorn artistic objects, including papyrus paintings, amulets, and ceramics. In addition to ornamental decorations, Egyptians also employed flowers as an artistic medium. In King Tutankhamun‘s tomb, for example, multiple collar necklaces made of dyed linen and cut blossoms—including sunflowers, cornflowers, poppies, and blue lotuses—were found among his many trinkets and treasures.”
*Quotation above is taken directly from the website cited and is the property of that source. It is meant to inform the reader and to give credit where it is due.
Segmation: “Flowers Represented in Art History” [*]
“Flowers are universal symbols of beauty. They also symbolize comfort, love and affection. They are always thoughtful gifts and make ideal decor for any home, no matter how great or humble it is. Flowers are practically perfect. Throughout history, flowers have been represented widely in the arts. Many of the most famous artists in history painted more than their fair share of flowers. Art history itself tells the story of flowers in the arts.
The very first flower ever to be represented in the arts may be the lotus flower. Ancient Egyptians adorned amulets, ceramics and papyrus paintings with the lotus flower, which to them symbolized the sun, according to My Modern Met. A contributor wrote “In addition to ornamental decorations, Egyptians also employed flowers as an artistic medium. In King Tutankhamun’s tomb, for example, multiple collar necklaces made of dyed linen and cut blossoms—including sunflowers, cornflowers, poppies, and blue lotuses—were found among his many trinkets and treasures.”
The idea of representing flowers in the arts may have started in ancient Egypt, but it certainly didn’t end there. Flowers were also widely represented in art pieces created in the major periods of art history.”
*Quotation above is taken directly from the website cited and is the property of that source. It is meant to inform the reader and to give credit where it is due.
Here is part two of our flowers in art history gallery:
