Portrait of the -Princess of Wales- c. 19th century

William B. Closson created this intimate portrait of the Princess of Wales using engraving, a testament to the enduring appeal of royalty and representation. Note the rose adorning her chest, a symbol weighted with layers of meaning that transcends mere aesthetics. The rose, often associated with Venus, embodies love, beauty, and the mysteries of the heart. Yet, it is also laced with the thorns of suffering, reminiscent of Christian iconography where roses are linked to the Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ. Consider Botticelli’s “Primavera,” where roses scatter across the scene, invoking themes of fertility, renewal, and earthly love. Here, the rose on the Princess takes on a new dimension, embodying the weight of royal duty and expectation. The rose serves as a cultural touchstone, connecting the Princess to a lineage of symbols that continue to evolve, engaging our subconscious on a profound level. It's a reminder of how symbols resurface, carrying echoes of the past into the present.