Bildnis einer Dame mit Harfe 

Friedrich von Amerling painted this portrait of a lady with a harp. Observe how the sitter is adorned with a wreath of flowers. Such garlands echo ancient Roman traditions, symbolizing virtues and achievements. Yet, the image of a woman with a musical instrument goes back even further, resonating with depictions of muses in classical antiquity. The combination of musicality and floral adornment evokes a sense of harmony and order, appealing to a deep-seated desire for aesthetic pleasure. Consider, for example, how the symbolic use of flowers persists, resurfacing in Pre-Raphaelite paintings and even in modern fashion, each time adapting to new cultural contexts. This cyclical return of symbols reveals our collective memory and a subconscious longing for idealized beauty. This image taps into this reservoir, engaging us on an emotional level and sparking a sense of timeless allure.