Drie bloemen, waaronder een anjer en een roos after 1667

This print, held at the Rijksmuseum, features a rose, a carnation, and another flower rendered in stark monochrome. Each flower is imbued with symbolism that transcends mere botanical interest. The rose, a symbol of love and beauty since ancient times, finds its roots in the Greek myth of Aphrodite, forever linking it to desire and passion. The carnation, or dianthus, from the Greek for "divine flower," carries varied meanings, often associated with affection and remembrance. Consider how these floral motifs echo in Renaissance paintings where a rose might signify the Virgin Mary's love or a carnation a betrothal. The language of flowers, as it evolves, reflects our shifting emotional landscapes. Here, the anonymous artist participates in this enduring symbolic exchange, reminding us how cultural memory entwines with the natural world. These flowers engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, with the image evoking feelings of love, memory, and beauty.