Flora: The Secret Language of Plants in Art

From the acacias and lilies revered by the ancient Egyptians to the popular Victorian language of flowers and the masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh and Georgia O'Keeffe—humans have long sought to find meaning in nature. Plants have frequently been imbued with significance, used for food and medicine, and linked to mythological heroes, saints, or abstract concepts such as beauty, strength, and purity. Intertwining botany, mythology, folklore, and religious texts with centuries of visual art and literary history, this elegant and richly illustrated reference book introduces the hidden symbolism and cultural significance of more than 50 different plants.