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
