Flower Design: Daffodils and Calla Lilies 19th century

Curator: My eye is drawn to the rather structured formality of the overall design. The floral arrangement is set in a careful register along horizontal lines. Editor: It does possess a poised quality, doesn't it? There's a beautiful restraint to it, but what's fascinating to me is the dialogue between the lilies and the daffodils, the lilies reaching out and arching down while the daffodils are concentrated toward the center. Curator: Let's provide a little context. What we are observing is titled "Flower Design: Daffodils and Calla Lilies" created by an anonymous artist sometime in the 19th century. The medium includes watercolor and touches of printing methods. It resides here with us at the Metropolitan Museum. The choice of flowers seems especially symbolic, daffodils associated with rebirth and new beginnings while the calla lily is frequently seen with purity and faith. Editor: And perhaps even death? Lilies have certainly acquired that symbolic connection across many cultures, even as their association with the Virgin Mary evokes holiness. The fact that the daffodils, heralds of spring, are paired with lilies— it sparks contemplation about cycles and transience, almost as a "memento mori". It is this tension that offers such depth to the design, this contrast between vivacity and somberness. Curator: I appreciate that reading. The mirroring also plays a key role. The symmetry certainly suggests a focus on balance, maybe even an idealised balance. Each side echoes the other, emphasizing both the similarities and the subtle differences in the lilies, for example, which ensures it doesn't feel static. Editor: True. Symmetry implies harmony and, in that era, a specific world view as well, especially when expressed with such clarity in an artistic expression. Yet, given its creation during a time of rapid industrialization, is it not possible to see this focus on symmetry and natural imagery as a subtle act of resistance against the dehumanizing aspects of industrial society? Curator: Absolutely, that’s insightful. It gives even more richness to this composition, offering, in one decorative image, the personal and historical moment through the lens of cultural symbols. Editor: Well, that gives me much to consider! Curator: Indeed! I think our visitors have much to ponder as well.