‘Mopsa The Fairy’ by Jean Ingelow 1920

This illustration, made by Dorothy Lathrop, visualizes Jean Ingelow’s fairy tale ‘Mopsa the Fairy’ in black and white. Observe how Lathrop presents the fairy Mopsa, adorned with a floral crown. The crown, an age-old symbol of authority and glory, dates back to ancient times. When bestowed, crowns denote status, victory, and divinity. This symbol of power is, however, softened here. The crown is a garland of flowers, a symbol of nature’s beauty and purity, thus depicting Mopsa's gentle rule over the natural realm. Consider how such symbols evolve: from the laurel wreaths of Roman emperors to the jeweled crowns of monarchs. This transformation reflects changing cultural values. In the collective subconscious, flowers evoke springtime and rebirth, an echo of ancient seasonal rituals. Lathrop intuitively uses this potent symbol to engage the viewer on a deeply emotional level, drawing on primal associations of renewal and beauty. These symbols never truly disappear; they resurface, transformed, in dreams, art, and cultural practices, reminding us of the enduring power of the past.