The flowers in this wicker basket are arranged loosely, almost nonchalantly. In the background stands a ruined wall. The two white lilies in the centre of the bouquet stand out against the ominous dark sky in the distance. Lilies have symbolised purity since ancient times. In Catholic tradition, the flower represents Mary’s chastity.

Caterpillars and butterflies

Caterpillars creep and crawl, confined to the earth like us, carrying our sins through life. However, a caterpillar gets a chance to live a new life. Caterpillars can become butterflies. And butterflies can shed their earthly burden and fly into the sky. And like a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, each of us also has the potential to change and lead a religious life.

Fleur-de-lis

Hidden in the background is a blue iris (L. Iris). An iris symbolises dominion and majesty, both earthly and heavenly. Compare the fleur-de-lis (Fr.) in the heraldic emblems of French and Florentine rulers, for example. Mediaeval sources cite the iris as a symbol of Christ and divine rule. These flowers can appear in various colours: blue denotes Mary as the Queen of Heaven.

Passion flower

The passion flower’s Latin name (passiflora) combines the words passus, meaning suffering, The symbolic meaning of flowers draws on its physical attributes. The three stigmas symbolise the three nails which held Jesus to the cross Below these, are five anthers (which produce the flower’s pollen). These refer to the five wounds on the body of Jesus. And the radial filaments in the heart of the flower symbolise Jesus’ crown of thorns at the crucifixion.

Sword

The passion flower, below in the basket, is directly under the blue iris. This arrangement recalls the pain that Mary feels when her son is nailed to the cross: ‘[…] a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also’ (Luke 2:35; King James version).
The striking shape of the iris leaf is often compared to a sword.

Jacob van Huysum (1688-1740), was the younger brother of Jan van Huysum (1682-1749), the well-known still-life painter. See the floral still life in the Salon..