'Virtue' Design

After working for some time on a design I have been calling 'Virtue' I have completed the mixed media piece and scanned it ready to edit using Photoshop and put into repeat. The themes of the design are drawn directly from my extensive research into the historical use of flora and fauna as symbolic imagery, and of the styles and aesthetics of ecclesiastical art. Within 'Virtue' I chose to incorporate 3 different birds which historically represent purity and virtue in Christian art; the Dove, the Goldfinch and the Sparrow. With the Dove representing; the Holy spirit and the Virgin Mary, the Goldfinch; The Passion of Christ and the Sparrow; Gods concern for living creatures. The flowers within the design also represent aspects of 'Virtue'; the white Lily; chastity, purity and immaculate conception (can traditionally be seen in pieces of art depicting the annunciation), the Passion Flower; the passion of Christ, the daisy; innocence and purity, the Star of Bethlehem; purity and hope and coltsfoot; the Virgin Mary (due to its radiating, halo appearance). The flora were also carefully selected as they were aesthetically complimentary, as well as symbolically. Here is a close up of one section of the design: