Cross-vine (Bignonia capreolata) Possibly 1754

Here we see Mark Catesby's rendering of the Cross-vine plant. The botanical illustration captures the vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers in warm yellows and oranges, set against elongated green leaves. The form of the trumpet-shaped flowers reminds us of similar shapes found in Renaissance depictions of angels announcing divine messages. These visual echoes resonate with a deep-seated need for communication and revelation, transcending the boundaries of species. Consider the vine's cross-section, which gives it its name. The cross, a symbol of intersection and convergence, has been imbued with meanings of suffering, redemption, and spiritual unity across cultures. It reflects humanity’s attempt to reconcile opposing forces. The collective consciousness seems to have a hand in the vine’s very form. The way we perceive it evokes unconscious, shared cultural meanings. It demonstrates how nature, art, and the symbols we use are intertwined and speak to our deepest selves.