Rijk van Flora 1591 - 1607

Epifanio de Alfiano’s print, Rijk van Flora, depicts the realm of the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, and is abundant with symbolic and allegorical meaning. Note how Flora is celebrated with offerings and rituals in the grove, reflecting ancient traditions. Above, a radiant celestial realm mirrors the earthly scene, with gods floating on clouds. The sun god Sol, is depicted as a haloed man, embodying enlightenment and divine order. These celestial figures preside over the events below, linking the earthly and divine. The image of a God or Flora appearing within a halo or aureole can be seen in many different contexts and cultures. From the haloed Buddha in Asian art to the divine figures in medieval Christian iconography, it represents a transcendent state of being. This motif reappears across cultures, illustrating the enduring human desire to visualise the divine. Such imagery is not merely decorative; it evokes a deep, subconscious recognition of the power and emotional charge associated with the divine or sacred. This visual language taps into our collective memory, engaging viewers on a profound level. It's a pattern that has resurfaced and evolved across time, and it remains a potent symbol of spiritual transcendence.