A Javan Rhododendron and Ipomoea 1876

Marianne North’s painting presents us with a vivid tableau of a Javan Rhododendron and Ipomoea. The Rhododendron, with its striking orange blossoms, is a symbol of beauty and delicate love, while the Ipomoea, or morning glory, often represents unrequited love and fragility due to its short-lived blooms. Consider the twisting vines of the Ipomoea. These organic, spiraling forms echo the caduceus, an ancient symbol of medicine and commerce. But, here, amidst the lush flora, the twining vines evoke something deeper—the interconnectedness of life and the ceaseless flow of nature's energies. These twisting forms remind us of the eternal cycle of growth and decay. The painting's vivid colours and intricate details trigger a sense of vitalism—the belief that living organisms are fundamentally different from non-living entities due to an inner spark or force. This concept, deeply rooted in our subconscious, resonates with the painting’s life-affirming energy. Ultimately, the image reminds us of the continuous re-emergence and evolution of symbols.