02. Violet
BOTANY
Media Used: watercolor, colored pencil, graphite, ink, acrylic, linocut on handmade cotton rag paper
2023
For my upcoming nature compendium book! Learn more here.
Viola odorata
The Violet (also known as the “sweet violet” or “blue violet”) is a herbaceous perennial flower native to Europe & Asia. In Ancient Greece, it was an emblem of Athens and was often related to Priapus, the son of Aphrodite. Iamus from Greek mythology was named for the bed of violets (íov) in which he was found. In folklore, if one were to pick the first violet of springtime, they would be able to make a wish! Carry one for good luck or to ward of evil spirits. Violets are also the birth flower for February!