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TO THE LIGHTHOUSE by Virginia Woolf

Monday, October 12, 2009

RUBY TUESDAY - OXALIS



The plant is Oxalis.  It thrives and thrives in sun and likes water.
Its reddish trefoil leaf opens in the day time and closes at night.
Periodically, tiny lavender flowers appear.  It is a winner.
It is easily propagated by placing cut stems in water when roots will eventually appear.





It is noted that Oxalis appears in Michelangelo's Doni Tondo painting of the Holy Family with St. John the Baptist.  The plant is to be seen at the bottom right center of the painting.
  An Italian Masterwork, oil on panel, dated 1504-1505c.
Can be viewed at the Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy.


Back in June 2009, blogger Jacqui commented that it was a trefoil plant, perhaps signaling the Trinity. Blogger SouthLakesMom confirmed this theory, indicating that symbology in Renaissance artwork was for the benefit of a preliterate society, a way to communicate the truths of the day!  Thank you both for your responses to the question about why Michelangelo put the plant in the painting.




Go to OLGA'S GALLERY to enlarge the painting




GO TO RUBY TUESDAY FOR MORE  posts














12 comments:

  1. Interesting. Such an important symbol in such a tiny plant. The color and the composition is superb. The time traveling in art was a joy.

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  2. A very interesting plant, I had no idea of the symbolism associated with it. Thank you for sharing.
    A beautiful photo, I spent a bit of time studying the light and shadows.

    Judy

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  3. that is really interesting information. My mother really likes this plant and i never knew its name until now. Thanks for this post.

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  4. To me they look like so many ruby butterflies impaled on a bush! But a very pretty effect for the onlooker and a fascinating history.

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  5. A very interesting plant. I do not think I have see one before. thanks for sharing.

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  6. Beautiful...I would love to see it close at night also.



    My R T is posted. Scroll down below my Tuesday's Heads or Tails...it's eerie. Also, there is a new trick or treat treat for you on my sidebar if you'd like to grab and run with it!! CLICK HERE

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  7. I have grown this plant but it wasn't red but green. I wonder if it is the same variety. great photo. HRT

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  8. Margaret - thank you so much for the mention. What a wonderful photograph of a gorgeous plant. i am always taken by surprise when I notice it flowering in my border - and from now on it will remind me of higher things. xxx

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  9. Interesting plant. It's unfamiliar to me, though we do have a weed here in Southern California by the same (or a similar) name. Happy Ruby Tuesday!
    Hugs and blessings,
    Small Reflections

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  10. ☼¨`*•.♥LOVELY PLANT♥.•*¨`☼
    Have a Lovely♥Day!
    ~Rocío a.k.a."Mamí♥Picture"

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  11. Fascinating post, and a plant I have never seen before. I like the way you photographed it too, with the sun behind it.

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  12. Ditto to the comment above! Fascinating.

    Paz

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