Twee festoenen van seringen, knoflook en granaatappels before 1897

Here we see an undated photograph of two festoons of lilacs, garlic and pomegranates made by an anonymous artist. The image is in black and white, so we can only guess at the colours of the flowers and fruit. The very act of assembling lilacs, garlic, and pomegranates tells us something of this image’s significance. Lilacs are associated with love and beauty, while garlic has long been used to ward off evil spirits, and pomegranates are symbols of prosperity and abundance. Here, humble materials—plants that are readily available—have been artfully arranged to imbue the everyday with symbolism. Consider the skill and labor involved in creating such an elaborate arrangement. The artist has carefully selected and placed each element to create a balanced and harmonious composition. The attention to detail and the precision of the arrangement speak to a deep understanding of natural forms. In the end, we are left with the understanding of how these ordinary materials can be transformed into something beautiful, meaningful, and, above all, evocative.