Pomegranate textile 1883

This pomegranate textile was made by the Associated Artists. Observe the recurring motif of the pomegranate, a symbol laden with meaning across cultures. In ancient Greece, it was associated with Hera, the goddess of marriage and women, and Persephone, queen of the underworld, embodying fertility, abundance, and the cycle of life and death. Centuries later, the pomegranate reappears in Renaissance art, often held by the Virgin Mary or the Christ Child, signifying resurrection and hope. Botticelli, for example, frequently incorporated pomegranates in his paintings, echoing themes of spiritual renewal. The journey of this symbol—from ancient mythology to Christian iconography—reveals the enduring power of images to adapt and convey profound emotional truths across time. It shows a human quest for meaning and continuity. The pomegranate in this textile engages us on a primal level, resonating with subconscious memories of renewal and immortality.