Drawing with Flowers, Butterflies, and Insects 1625 - 1675

Shafi' Abbasi created this drawing with flowers, butterflies, and insects in pen and ink in the 17th century. This natural world comes alive through detailed observation. The rose, a prominent motif, stretches back through time, symbolizing love, beauty, and sometimes, secrecy. In ancient Rome, the rose was linked to Venus, goddess of love, and Cupid. Its thorns remind us, psychologically, that beauty can also carry pain, a duality deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Consider how the butterfly, seen here in delicate detail, mirrors the soul's journey. From a crawling caterpillar to a winged beauty, it embodies transformation and resurrection, echoing ancient Greek 'psyche', meaning both 'soul' and 'butterfly.' This symbol transcends cultures, appearing in funerary art from the Roman Empire, signifying the soul's liberation. The metamorphosis captures our imagination and speaks to the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.