Botanische notities c. 1873 - 1876

Johannes Tavenraat created this page of botanical notes at an unknown date using ink on paper, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The text catalogues different flowers, tracing their etymology. Let us consider the inclusion of 'Myosotis palustris', commonly known as 'forget-me-not'. Its very name carries a potent symbolism, echoing through time. We find its echoes in medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings, where small blue flowers whispered promises of remembrance and fidelity. The act of naming itself holds power; it’s an attempt to capture the essence of nature through language. The association of the flower to remembrance suggests a connection between the natural world and human emotion. This connection transcends mere observation; it speaks to our deepest fears of being forgotten. The cyclical return of symbols reflects the cyclical nature of human experience itself. These botanical notes show how the past resurfaces, intertwining with our present perceptions.