Camomile 

Małgorzata Serwatka created this oil on canvas painting, titled Camomile. It shows an array of camomile flowers in full bloom, their petals rendered with a flurry of brushstrokes. Serwatka is a contemporary Polish artist, and her choice of camomile connects to a deep history of botanical art and its cultural associations. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the close observation of nature was considered a scientific pursuit but also served aesthetic and decorative purposes. Floral paintings often featured in domestic settings, signalling an appreciation for natural beauty. In Poland, such paintings would often be read through the lens of folk traditions, where camomile might symbolize healing or peace. The historian's role is to uncover these layers of meaning, using resources from botanical studies to folklore archives, enabling a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context in which this painting exists.