Portrait of Marie Angélique Vérany de Varennes, Mme Georges Gougenot de Croissy 1757

Jean-Baptiste Greuze painted this portrait of Marie Angélique, Madame Gougenot de Croissy, capturing the fashions of her time. Look closely at the detail of the flowers in her hair. Floral motifs, like the ones we see here, frequently symbolize youth and beauty, tracing back to ancient Greek and Roman traditions, where goddesses of spring were often depicted adorned with blossoms. Over time, this symbol has resurfaced repeatedly, from Renaissance allegories to Victorian-era sentimental paintings, each time adapting to the cultural values. Consider how the fleeting nature of flowers mirrors our own ephemeral existence, evoking feelings of nostalgia and a poignant awareness of time's passage. The artist evokes the collective memory and subconscious processes to engage viewers, creating a powerful connection on a deep, subconscious level. Observe how it has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in diverse historical contexts throughout the centuries in a non-linear, cyclical progression.