Portret van Johann Brunnemann 1665 - 1721

This portrait of Johann Brunnemann was engraved by Christian Romstet in 1666. The professor is holding a sprig of lilies of the valley, a subtle yet potent symbol. These delicate flowers, often associated with the Virgin Mary, traditionally represent purity, humility, and the return of happiness. Yet, these modest blooms appear in contexts beyond religious iconography. We find the motif echoed in ancient Greek myths associated with Apollo. The lilies subtly transform, carrying layers of meaning across time, adapting to both sacred and secular narratives. This capacity to hold multiple, evolving interpretations reveals the complex, cyclical nature of symbols. These images, with their inherent emotional power, tap into our subconscious, engaging viewers across centuries.