Untitled [Two Lilies] 19th-20th century

This is a photograph of two lilies by William B. Post. The lilies, serene upon the water, are rich with symbolism, echoing through the ages. The lily, often associated with purity and renewal, has appeared across cultures from ancient Egypt, where it symbolized rebirth, to Christian art, where it represents the Virgin Mary's innocence. Here, these lilies float, their reflections shimmering just beneath, evoking a sense of dreamlike contemplation. It brings to mind similar motifs in Monet’s water lilies, yet here, Post captures a stillness, a quietude. The flower's journey through time reveals our enduring fascination with nature's cycles and our own search for spiritual meaning. Consider the psychological weight of this image: the lily as a focal point for our collective memories and subconscious desires, surfacing in art again and again. It reminds us how symbols carry emotional power, engaging viewers across time.