Lilacs in a Glass, Apple and Lemon 1890

Meijer de Haan's canvas presents us with a study of lilacs in a glass, accompanied by an apple and a lemon. The lilacs themselves are a profound symbol of first love and renewal, deeply rooted in the Victorian language of flowers and the rites of spring, echoing through centuries of art and literature. Consider Botticelli’s "Primavera," where flowers herald the arrival of Venus, goddess of love. Here, the flowers, particularly lilacs, evoke a sense of burgeoning life. However, there's a melancholic contrast with the apple and lemon, often associated with temptation and disillusionment. The bright red apple carries the weight of its cultural baggage, reminiscent of original sin, while the lemon hints at bitterness and unfulfilled desires. This tension between the vibrant lilacs and the somber fruit creates a fascinating psychological landscape, touching upon themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.