Iryna Kostiuk
Lviv National Academy of Arts, Lviv.
ORCID ID 0000-0003-1779-7522
DOI:
Keywords: carnation, visual culture, image evolution, symbol in art, symbol in culture.
Abstract.
The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the carnation’s image in visual culture, tracing its development from a mythological motif and sacred symbol in religious art to its status as a socio-political sign in modern and contemporary cultural practices. The study examines the historical and cultural preconditions for the formation of the carnation’s symbolic meaning within the European cultural tradition; identifies the main iconographic and semantic features of the image in mythology, Medieval and Renaissance art; traces the process of secularization of the carnation’s image in Early Modern art; and investigates the transformation of its symbolism in the context of 19th–20th century socio-political movements, as well as its use in media spaces as a tool of ideological communication and collective memory.
The symbolism of the carnation has shifted depending on historical period and cultural context. In mythological representations, the carnation embodied ideals of heroism and divine perfection, while in Christian culture it became a sign of purity, suffering, and Christ’s sacrifice. Over time, its symbolism expanded: in France, the carnation became a sign of revolutionary solidarity and courage; in England, it was associated with aristocracy. In contemporary contexts, the carnation continues to function as a multi-layered symbol, reflecting cultural tradition, historical memory, and socio-political identity, and serving as a sign of courage, solidarity, and ritual participation in collective events. The evolution of the carnation’s image demonstrates that an ordinary flower can become a powerful cultural marker, capable of transforming in response to social, religious, and political changes, while simultaneously maintaining its connection to the sacred and emotional meanings embedded in its original symbolism.
Author‘s biography.
Iryna Kostiuk
Ph.D. (Philology), associate professor, Lviv National Academy of Arts, Lviv
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PDF (in English)
The article was received by the editorial office on 18.02.2026.
The article was accepted for publication after review on 04.04.2026.
The article was published on 07.07.2026.
Vol 29 No 1 (2026)
Section: WORLD CULTURE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.