Gardens Evolving thru Time: 17C Discovering a Garden in a Painting Background

Thursday, August 6, 2020

17C Discovering a Garden in a Painting Background

Anonymous Artist - Spring with Flowers & a Garden in the Background. Madrid, Museo del Prado. 1601-1650

Spring & "springtime" refer to the ecological, environmental season, and also to ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection & regrowth.

About this Blog

Initially mankind tries to gain some control over his constantly changing & often threatening natural surroundings by creating physical spaces to meet his basic needs for shelter, food, safety, & family. Across the Earth, prehistoric man's discovery that some plants harm & others heal was the origin searching for & eventually growing life-sustaining food & early medicines, as well as creating ancient myths about people & plants. A garden became a planned space set aside for the practical cultivation of edible & medicinal plants, and/or for the artistic display, & enjoyment of decorative plants. As centuries passed, many of the "well-to-do" transformed the gardens near their personal living spaces into art hoping to project a desired image of themselves to others - their wealth, power, refinement, & beliefs.