Lunaria annua (judaspenge) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker rendered this Lunaria annua, also known as Judaspenge, in delicate watercolor. The plant’s common name is derived from the silvery, coin-shaped seedpods, reminiscent of the coins Judas received for his betrayal. This association evokes themes of guilt, betrayal, and repentance. The flowers, delicate and fleeting, suggest the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change. The symbolic weight carried by the Lunaria extends beyond its biblical association. In folklore, coins often symbolize wealth, prosperity, and the cyclical nature of fortune. Consider the image of coins in ancient Roman iconography, symbols of power. Here, however, they are tinged with the burden of betrayal. This juxtaposition reveals a deep ambivalence toward material wealth, reflecting a collective unease about the darker side of prosperity. This image encapsulates the human psyche, where hope and despair coexist, a powerful reminder of our shared human condition.