Respite Painting

“Floriography” is the language of flowers. Thousands of years of folklore, mythology & religious tradition have contributed to the meanings we ascribe to flowers today. Floriography peaked in popularity during the Victorian era when, armed with floral dictionaries, gentlemen would send cryptic messages to ladies with specific nosegays or tussie mussies called “talking bouquets”. Still today we have a tradition of birth month flowers, the meanings of which are rooted in floriography. Similar to zodiac signs or birthstones, it is believed you inherit the characteristics of the flower assigned to your birth month. Lily of the Valley is May’s flowers & it represents humility, sweetness & purity– not surprising, considering its pure white blossoms which hang “face down” from an arched stem. It also represents the return of happiness; a legend tells of a Nightingale who would not return to the woods until the Lily of the Valley bloomed once again in spring. Lily of the Valley has unusually tropical leaves for being a cool-climate flower. Lilies are mentioned throughout the Bible and represent both Christ & the respite of soul believers find in the Christian life: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin. . .". I've always been inspired by botanicals, but in addition to their beauty, I wanted to create a collection with an added layer of significance for the viewer. So whether you're a May baby or you just love Lily of the Valley, I hope the history & meaning of the flower speak to you on an intellectual, emotional or spiritual level.

Painting:Watercolor on Paper

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:18 W x 24 H x 0.1 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.