Hummingbird and Passionflowers 1872 - 1885

Painted by Martin Johnson Heade, this canvas features a hummingbird and passionflowers, motifs rich in symbolism. The passionflower, with its intricate structure, has long been associated with the crucifixion of Christ. Its tendrils represent the whips, the petals the apostles, and the central stigma the crown of thorns. Yet, observe how the passionflower, once confined to religious iconography, has been transported to a New World Eden. The hummingbird, a creature of vibrant energy, embodies the spirit of the Americas, its delicate form belying its powerful wings. Consider, too, how such floral symbolism resurfaces time and again, from medieval tapestries to modern-day designs. The underlying human need to find meaning in the natural world remains constant, even as the symbols themselves shift and evolve. The subconscious power of these emblems continues to engage us, tapping into a deep well of collective memory.