Hermodactylus tuberosus (hermesfinger); Iris pumila (lav iris) eller Iris lutescens (dværg-iris) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker rendered this image of Hermodactylus tuberosus, or iris, around the mid-17th century. The iris, named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, carries a rich tapestry of meanings across cultures. Holtzbecker is interested in more than botany, here. The ‘sword lily’ has long symbolized faith, hope, wisdom, courage, and admiration. We see the fleur-de-lis, a stylized iris, which became the emblem of French royalty. But before kings, in religious paintings, the iris often represents the Virgin Mary, its sword-like leaves alluding to her sorrow. Think of how the Madonna, the mourning mother, is often pictured near flowering irises. It becomes clear that symbols aren't static; they’re living entities. Each age, each eye, imprints a new layer of meaning, carried on the currents of cultural memory. This image engages us, not just as a record of nature, but as a testament to the enduring power of symbols.