Portret van Alexandrine van Baden 1820 - 1868

Carl Mayer created this image of Alexandrine van Baden using engraving. Note the rose pinned to her chest. This symbol, laden with centuries of meaning, carries the weight of love, beauty, and secrecy. The rose's symbolism echoes through time, from ancient Greece, where it was associated with Aphrodite, to its prominent place in Christian iconography, representing the Virgin Mary. Consider how the language of flowers evolved, embedding roses with layers of coded messages. In Alexandrine’s portrait, the rose may hint at her virtues or romantic prospects, yet it's a subtle suggestion. This echoes how the rose transcends mere visual appeal, engaging our subconscious. We unconsciously recognize its cultural echoes, creating a connection that bridges time. The rose is a testament to the enduring power of symbols. From classical myth to modern expression, it evolves, adapts, and resurfaces, proving how images perpetually renew themselves.