References to
lilies hark back to antiquity. From ancient times to the present, various parts
of this bulbous plant have been used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, and
its attractive flowers have become a popular artistic motif and symbol. In
ancient art, the lily stood for fertility, abundance, and purity, whereas in
Christianity, based on religious texts, the white lily came to represent the
innocence of body and mind. The main source of inspiration was above all the biblical
Song of Songs, where the bride is likened to an enclosed garden, a rose, or a
lily. These poetic metaphors were interpreted as symbols of the Church or the
Virgin Mary. In the sense of moral chastity, the fragrant snow-white flower
also serves as an attribute of some saints. We seldom come across other colour
varieties; the red lily sometimes appears in old art, perceived as an exotic
Asian plant. From the 19th century onward, artists focused much more often on
the natural charm of the various species of lilies. Nevertheless, the Christian
association of the white lily with purity and virginity is still recognised
today.
Venue: Schwarzenberg Palace
Curator: Alena Volrábová
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