Double & Single Sweet William 1 - 1791

John Edwards created this watercolor plate of Double & Single Sweet William. The Sweet William, or dianthus barbatus, with its clustered blooms, has long been a symbol of gallantry and finesse, particularly prominent during the era this work was made. The image of flowers recurs across different times and places; it has evolved to be a symbolic language of the heart. One cannot help but recall the floral motifs adorning ancient Roman frescos, symbolizing rebirth, or even the dense arrangements in Dutch still life paintings, signifying transience and beauty. Here, Edwards presents us with not just a botanical study but an echo of human emotion, connecting the viewer to layers of cultural memory. The very act of depicting flowers, of capturing their ephemeral beauty, serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of life.