The floral symbolism of the great masters

"The Floral Symbolism of the Great Masters" by Elizabeth Haig is a study of how flowers were used as hidden messages in Christian art long ago. The book looks at how artists used different flowers to show religious ideas and spiritual qualities, especially during the Renaissance period. It tries to explain the connection between flower pictures and what the Church believed, giving us a better understanding of the visual language of sacred art. The beginning of the book explains how flowers were first used as symbols in Christian art, particularly when people were being treated badly for their beliefs. Over time, these simple flower designs became more complex, especially during the Renaissance when art really took off. The text explains how flowers like the lily, rose, and olive branch came to stand for ideas like purity, love, and peace, and how these symbols became part of religious teachings and art. The careful choices made by artists reveal a deep understanding of meaning that communicated religious ideas that could be understood widely.