Erodium supracanum 1787 - 1788

François Hubert captured this *Erodium supracanum* with watercolor in the late 18th or early 19th century. Here, the plant, also known as heron’s bill, is rendered with scientific precision, yet it evokes more than just botanical accuracy. Consider the plant's seeds, which resemble a stork's beak. This motif links to ancient symbols of fertility and new life, mirroring similar forms found in Egyptian hieroglyphs, where birds symbolize the soul's journey. Now, think of the color yellow dominating the blooms. Throughout history, yellow has carried paradoxical meanings: enlightenment and divinity, but also caution and deceit. This duality is seen in medieval art, where gold leaf symbolized sacredness, yet yellow robes could mark Judas. The color touches something deep within us, triggering feelings rooted in centuries of cultural experience. Observe how nature's language persists, subtly influencing our perceptions across time. This image speaks to how symbols resurface, transformed yet familiar, in our collective consciousness.