Boerenpioen (Paeonia officinalis) 1617

This engraving by Simon van de Passe shows a peony with incredible detail and delicacy. In the 17th century, flowers were more than just pretty decorations; they were symbols, each with its own language. The peony, known for its lush, full bloom, often represented wealth, honor, and even healing. The image is reminiscent of the ancient association of flowers with gods and goddesses, where each bloom carried divine messages. Think of the rose for Venus or the sunflower linked to Apollo. The peony, too, is a sign of the transience and beauty of life, like Botticelli's allegories, but here, rendered with the precision of scientific observation. Even today, the peony retains a connection to these older meanings, though perhaps unconsciously. This engraving serves as a reminder that images never truly disappear; they are transformed, their meanings layered and adapted, persisting in the collective memory.