Herbarium Supports Art Exhibition

Digital images from Vassar’s herbarium have been included in “Changing Forms – Metamorphosis in Myth, Art and Nature 1650-1700,” an exhibit on display now through December 19 at the Francis Lehman Loeb Art Center.  The exhibit includes a print based on the Greek myth of Philemon and Baucis, who upon death were transformed by Zeus (Jupiter of the Romans) into intertwining oak and linden trees.  The oak symbolizes strength and steadfastness, while the linden symbolizes love and fertility.  Herbarium specimens of oak and linden were used as illustrations in the exhibition catalogue and the object card for Henrick Gout’s print of Adam Elsheimer’s Jupiter and Mercury in the House of Philemon and Baucis.