Zwanenbloem en kleinbloemige salie 1617

This engraving, “Zwanenbloem en kleinbloemige salie,” by Crispijn van de Passe the Younger captures the quiet symbolism inherent in botanical studies. The image is dominated by two plants: the Zwanenbloem, or grass-of-parnassus, and kleinbloemige salie, or small-flowered sage. These plants were not merely objects of scientific interest. Throughout history, flowers have served as potent symbols in art. Consider the enduring image of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, and the intricate symbolic language of flowers, where each bloom carries a specific meaning, a concept echoed even in Dutch still life paintings. The depiction of sage can be traced back to ancient times, where it was associated with healing and longevity. This connection between the natural world and human well-being taps into a collective memory, a desire for harmony with nature that resonates on a subconscious level. The engraving becomes a vessel through which humanity expresses itself and explores complex emotions and connections with nature.