Portret van Rosina Lebzelter after 1650

This is Peter Troschel’s engraving of Rosina Lebzelter, made around 1621, framed by an oval cartouche. Notice the profusion of flowers encircling Rosina, each bloom a bearer of layered meanings. Roses, prominently featured, are not merely decorative; they speak of love, beauty, and the ephemeral nature of life itself. The rose motif reminds us of Botticelli’s Venus, often depicted amidst roses, symbolizing divine love. The choice of these flowers reflects a cultural impulse to imbue the image with layers of symbolism. We see it echoed through time, from ancient Roman funerary art to Victorian mourning jewelry, where floral arrangements communicate grief, memory, and enduring affection. It is an emotional echo, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, a visual language that transcends mere aesthetics. The use of floral motifs is not linear, but cyclical, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings.