Brief aan Adriaan van der Willigen Possibly 1811 - 1823

This letter was written by Willem van Leen, in 1821. The dominant symbols here are floral. Van Leen discusses different varieties such as hyacinths, anemones, and auriculas. Flowers possess a profound history as symbols, and are often associated with emotions and deeper psychological states. In the classical world, flowers were linked to deities and mythological narratives, often signifying renewal, love, and the transient nature of life. The hyacinth, for example, is named after a youth loved by Apollo. When he died, the god created the flower from his blood. Such imagery often evokes intense emotions and psychological responses. The act of giving flowers itself becomes a deeply rooted cultural tradition, a symbolic language passed down. The cyclical progression of floral symbolism reflects our own human journey, echoing the rhythms of nature and reminding us of the ephemeral yet enduring power of beauty.