Afrikaantje (Tagetes) en kikkererwt 1617

Here we have Afrikaantje (Tagetes) en kikkererwt, a print made by Crispijn van de Passe II, around the 17th century. Notice the meticulous rendering of the marigold and chickpea, symbols that transcend mere botanical illustration. The marigold, with its radiant, sun-like head, has long been associated with the sun, warmth, and even resurrection in various cultures. From ancient Roman festivals to Christian iconography, its golden hue carries echoes of divine light. The chickpea, humble yet essential, speaks of nourishment and sustenance. Consider its presence in ancient Mediterranean diets and its symbolic role in fertility rituals. These plants, captured by van de Passe's burin, are more than specimens; they are vessels of cultural memory. Their images trigger a response deep within us, a resonance with ancestral knowledge and shared human experience. This is the enduring power of symbols, their ability to evoke emotions and connect us to the past.