It will be no surprise to you that flowers is where I draw much of the inspiration for mypiggywiggy as well as art and fashion history. I love paintings that depict flowers, women, landscapes, and interiors. So when any combination of these things are in a painting, I am instantly smitten.

Below are some beautiful paintings mostly from the 19th century of women florists or just women with flowers. As Christian Dior said, "After women, flowers are the most divine creations..."

Women In Art / The Florist + Floral Superstitions

Both paintings above are by French painter Victor Gabriel Gilbert who loved to paint market scenes and everyday life in Paris.

The Language of Flowers in the Victorian Era

ASTER - a symbol of love, patience, and daintiness

BACHELOR BUTTONS - blessedness and celibacy. If a man wanted to know whether his love for a woman was returned, he could pick a bachelor button and place it in his pocket and if it did not wilt in 24 hours, then his lady love returned his affections. It could also symbolize the success of a new relationship. (source)

CAMELLIAS - any color symbolized affection, red camellias being the headiest "you set my heart aflame" and white "you are adored"

CROCUS - symbolism for youth and cheerfulness

DAISY - a symbol of innocence and hope

FERN - ferns were very popular during the Victorian era and symbolized sincerity, humility, love... and also they could convey hidden sexual desires (the maidenhair fern was a euphamism for female pubic hair, oh my!) Those scandalous Victorians! (source)

Women In Art / The Florist & A Bit of Floral Language