David, in the Kitchen, with Thistle 

John Bratby’s painting presents a kitchen scene, dominated by the thistle, a proud yet prickly emblem amidst daily chaos. The thistle, historically linked to protection and resilience, appears across cultures. In Scotland, it's a national symbol, recalling legends of its defense against invaders. Yet, its thorny nature also evokes pain and adversity. Consider how it differs from, say, the rose, a symbol of love and beauty, yet both carry thorns, a reminder of the bittersweet nature of life. Bratby’s inclusion of the thistle is not merely decorative; it's a powerful assertion of survival, a symbol of defiance against the mundane. It reflects a primal urge to confront life’s challenges, embedding the painting with a profound emotional resonance, that engages viewers on a subconscious level. Through art we witness the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols like the thistle, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across various eras.