Pioenroos en twee narcissen after 1667

This drawing features a peony and two daffodils, rendered with a meticulous hand. The choice of flowers is no accident; it is a deliberate invocation of symbolic meaning. The peony, with its lush, full bloom, has long been associated with wealth, honor, and even royalty across various cultures. Consider how these symbols reverberate through time. The narcissus, or daffodil, in Greek mythology is tied to Narcissus, a figure consumed by his own reflection, leading to his demise. The narcissus is also associated with the underworld, and the cycle of life and death. We see how symbols gain their power, accumulating layers of meaning, changing with time. The collective unconscious, as Jung proposed, is filled with such archetypes, driving us to interpret and reinterpret these motifs. The emotional resonance of these symbols isn't merely intellectual; it taps into a deep, psychological undercurrent, engaging viewers on a visceral level. These flowers resurface in different guises, their meanings morphing, yet still tethered to their ancient roots.