The History of Floral Design European Periods Introduction

The History of Floral Design European Periods Introduction to Floral Design Mrs. Rojas

Middle Ages n Flowers (both wild and cultivated) were an important part of everyday life n Used in food, drink, and medicine n Fragrant flowers were favored for the ground, freshening the air, and making wreaths and garlands for personal adornment and decoration

Middle Ages

Renaissance n Art represented religious history – flowers in vases were shown in paintings for symbolism A rose represented sacred or profane love n A white lily was the symbol for chastity and fertility n Single stems of white lilies in a humble jug was popular n n Flowers were arranged in vases so only the blossoms were visible and the stems were covered, creating massed, symmetrically stiff, conical arrangements n Varieties of bright colors and forms were used

Renaissance n Wreaths & garlands were still common n Containers were pattered after Greek and Roman periods, using elaborate metal containers with well-formed bases, stems, necks, and handles n Many containers had removable lids with holes in them to hold stems

Renaissance

Baroque & Dutch-Flemish Styles n Art became accessible to middle class instead of just church and nobility n Flower arrangements were sent in everyday situations n Elaborate ornamentation and curved lines were used n Oval shape, asymmetrical balance, and S-curve designs were all used in arrangements n Over-decoration and gaudy interiors were common n Flower paintings showed creative expression in large, flamboyant arrangements n Containers included glassware, terra cotta, and porcelain

Baroque & Dutch-Flemish Styles

French Period n Emphasis was on classic form, refinement, and elegance n Arrangements were commonly fanshaped or triangle and massed, used as decorative accents in interiors n Vases were highly ornate (decorated), portraying elegance, and tasteful extravagance

French Period

English – Georgian Period n Fragrance was the most important part of a bouquet, believing that perfume would rid the air of contagious and infectious diseases n Nosegays were created to keep flowers close by and relieve the smells of unsanitary surroundings n Cleanliness was not a high standard in their living n Flowers were worn in hair and around necks or on gowns, either at waist or the shoulder

English – Georgian Period n Arrangements were formal and symmetrical, arranged with a variety of flowers n Flower–filled containers were set by fireplaces when heat wasn’t necessary n called a bough-pot n Wedgwood and fine ceramic containers were used for expensive arrangements n Miniature arrangements in bud vases

English – Georgian Period

Victorian Era n Flower arranging was taught and recognized as an art n Girls were taught to arrange, grow, preserve, press, draw, and paint flowers, including making artificial flowers n Arrangements grouped large masses of flowers, foliage, and grasses together for compact designs without voids n Design shapes were oval or round n Nosegays and hand bouquets were popular, conveying special sentiments with specific flowers

Victorian Era n Containers were highly ornate and showy, using all materials and shapes for holding abundant masses of flowers n Posy holders were invented using various materials n Formal (concentric rings of flowers with a symbolic flower in the center) and informal (casual mixing of fragrant blossoms) nosegay designs were used n Bosom bottles (aqua-picks) were formed to keep flowers fresh and from withering, when they were worn

Victorian Era

Victorian Era