The Language of Flowers: Floriography in Victorian Art
The Victorian era (1837-1901) was a time of intricate social etiquette, heightened emotion, and symbolic communication. One of the most fascinating aspects of this period was the practice of floriography, or the "language of flowers." This symbolic use of flowers allowed individuals to communicate emotions, intentions, and social messages without uttering a single word. Floriography became a prominent feature in Victorian art, literature, and daily life, offering an elegant and sometimes coded method for expressing sentiments that were often restrained by societal norms.
In this Bloom & Song guide, we will explore how floriography was represented in Victorian art, its symbolism in popular culture, and how flowers were used to communicate complex emotions and messages in a society that prized subtlety.
1. What is Floriography?
Floriography refers to the Victorian-era practice of assigning specific meanings to flowers, often to convey particular messages. The practice was particularly widespread during the 19th century, where flowers were given as gifts or incorporated into artistic representations to communicate feelings, desires, and messages that were otherwise difficult to express.
A Coded Language:
Red Roses: Symbolized love and passion.
White Lilies: Represented purity and innocence.
Daffodils: Could symbolize unrequited love or a fresh start.
Violets: Often associated with modesty, faithfulness, and love.
Chrysanthemums: Depending on their color, could convey a wide range of meanings, from sympathy to love.
Cypress: Represented mourning or sorrow.
In Victorian society, the choice of flower and its arrangement had great significance. For example, a bouquet of roses might convey romantic love, while a single daisy might suggest innocence or secrecy.
2. Floriography in Victorian Art
Floriography had a profound influence on Victorian art, where flowers were used not only for their beauty but also for their symbolism. Artists during the era embraced floral themes in painting, sculpture, and decorative arts to infuse deeper meanings into their work.
Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood:
The Pre-Raphaelite painters were particularly known for their detailed depictions of flowers in their works, using them as symbols of innocence, purity, and romantic longing. Artists like John Everett Millais and Rossetti used flowers to communicate emotions and enhance narrative storytelling in their pieces.
For instance:
"Ophelia" by John Everett Millais: In this painting, the flowers surrounding Ophelia are laden with symbolic meaning. The daisies represent innocence and the tragic loss of youth, while the violets symbolize modesty and faithfulness. These floral elements amplify the melancholic tone of the painting, underscoring Ophelia's innocence and impending doom.
"Proserpine" by Dante Gabriel Rossetti: This painting depicts the mythological figure of Proserpine, and the flowers around her—such as the pomegranate (symbolizing marriage and fertility)—are not only visually significant but also symbolic of her forced union with Pluto.
Floral Still Life Paintings:
Still life paintings, often featuring elaborate flower arrangements, were another popular genre in Victorian art. These works frequently employed flowers as symbols, with meanings ranging from the celebration of beauty to the representation of mortality. Artists like Mary Cassatt and Jules Bastien-Lepage depicted flowers in domestic settings, subtly conveying messages about femininity, beauty, and the passage of time.
3. Floriography in Literature
Floriography was equally prevalent in Victorian literature, where flowers often appeared in novels, poetry, and letters as symbols of emotions. Writers like Charles Dickens, Emily Dickinson, and Thomas Hardy used flowers to deepen the emotional impact of their stories and convey nuanced meanings that might have been considered inappropriate or impossible to state openly.
Victorian Poetry:
Emily Dickinson: The American poet often used flowers in her works to reflect the themes of death, nature, and human emotion. In her poem "A Flower Faded," she associates the flower with fragility and the fleeting nature of beauty.
Christina Rossetti: Another well-known Victorian poet, Rossetti frequently used flowers to symbolize love, loss, and the transient nature of life. In her poem “The Rose and the Lily,” she contrasts the purity of the lily with the passionate love represented by the rose, exploring the complexities of emotional expression.
Floriography in Novels:
In novels, flowers were used to reinforce romantic themes or social commentaries.
Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre”: In "Jane Eyre," flowers like the red rose represent passionate love, while other floral symbols like the wildflower suggest freedom and independence.
Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the d'Urbervilles”: Hardy uses flowers, such as daisies and roses, to explore themes of purity, innocence, and the fall from grace of his tragic heroine, Tess.
4. Floral Symbolism in Victorian Society
Floriography was not limited to art and literature—it had a tangible presence in daily Victorian life, particularly in the form of floral arrangements. In Victorian society, the arrangement of flowers was a highly sophisticated and ritualized practice, and a bouquet could speak volumes about one's emotions, intentions, or social standing.
Floral Gifts:
Floral Bouquets: A bouquet of mixed flowers would have specific meanings. For example, if a suitor gave a bouquet of red roses, it was an unambiguous declaration of love. Conversely, a bouquet with yellow roses might signal jealousy or infidelity.
Wearing Flowers: Women often wore flowers in their hair, and men sometimes wore boutonnieres. These flowers were carefully chosen based on their symbolic meaning, from lilacs (signifying first love) to camellias (representing admiration and beauty).
Floral Etiquette:
Victorian etiquette dictated that flowers were not just a reflection of beauty but of the individual's character and social standing. As such, floral arrangements were carefully considered, and many Victorians maintained personal flower dictionaries to ensure they were sending the right messages.
5. The Decline of Floriography
Floriography began to fade in popularity in the early 20th century, as social norms evolved and communication became more direct. However, the language of flowers remains a fascinating aspect of Victorian history and culture. Today, floriography is often revisited in modern art, literature, and even weddings, where the symbolism of flowers continues to hold emotional significance.
6. Floriography’s Legacy in Contemporary Culture
Despite its decline during the Victorian era, the symbolic language of flowers has left a lasting legacy in modern times. Many modern florists still use some elements of floriography in their designs, offering flower arrangements that convey emotions such as sympathy, love, or congratulations. Moreover, the concept of flower symbolism is still evident in modern artwork, literature, and even in pop culture, where floral representations continue to evoke emotion and symbolism.
Floriography, or the language of flowers, played a key role in Victorian art, literature, and society, enabling individuals to communicate messages that were nuanced, emotional, and deeply symbolic. Through floral motifs, artists, writers, and individuals navigated a world of emotions and social expectations, conveying everything from love to loss and purity to passion. While the practice of floriography has faded from common use, its impact can still be felt today through the continued symbolic use of flowers in art, celebrations, and relationships. The beauty and depth of the language of flowers is a timeless reminder of the power of nature to communicate the most profound of human emotions.
