Common Aloe in Flower, Teneriffe 1875

Marianne North captured this striking ‘Common Aloe in Flower, Teneriffe’ with oils, immortalizing the plant's bold presence. The Aloe, reaching skyward, presents itself as a robust symbol of resilience and adaptation in a harsh environment, reminiscent of ancient obelisks erected to honor the sun's life-giving power. Consider the serpent, an ancient symbol of healing, transformation, and potent life force, as displayed in ancient Greece with Asclepius's Rod. Do you notice how the serpent coils around the staff, much like the form of the aloe plant? These emblems are universal, echoing through time. Just as the serpent sheds its skin, so too does the plant renew itself, evoking a deep, subconscious connection to the cycles of nature and the persistence of life. Through North's lens, we observe the Aloe's vibrant presence. It’s a testament to nature’s enduring ability to inspire awe and wonder, and to evoke our own subconscious responses.