Sol Rosmarinus • Planherbarium linocut paper print

These botanical prints are all part of research done between 2016 and 2018, called Planherbarium: it studies the relationship between plants and planets in astrology, medicine, mythology, usage and folklore.

The Sun, the male principle of creation and Light, is the planet that in the human body corresponds to the heart and solar plexus; in astrology it rules the Leo constellation. It represents the essence of the individual, his personality, awareness, spiritual path, faith and life force. Together with Mars, it is the virile principle. It symbolises from time immemorial the spiritual light, the enlightenment of the individual, the light that allows one's inner energies to grow and sprout; we often forget that the seeds are already within us... sun and moon, logic and metaphysics, work as opposites for balance, allowing our seed to sprout and bear fruit of light.
The Greeks called rosemary “Makaerinthes” - the Blessed One, a name that dates back to the time of Zoroaster and the Sun cult, while the Latins literally called it “Sea Dew”, from the colour of the flowers reminiscent of the celestial blue of the Mediterranean coast.
Used since Egyptian times for mummification, it is the immortality of the Spirit, rebirth and Sol Invictus, like the Sun, the ruler of this essence. It is a plant that directs its properties in remembrance, cheerfulness and the ability to love. It banishes melancholy, fears, discouragement and ills of the soul by giving awareness and courage to observe, com-prehend (take with you) your inner darkness and give it new meaning.

This print measuring 35x22cm circa, and is printed in dark green Caligo ink on Favini Materica 250g printmaking paper.
All prints in this limited edition are handmade and handpulled on a press, and each print is signed and numbered.
This a limited edition of 10 prints that will never be reprinted due to the extreme wear and tear of the blocks.

Due to the slightly structured texture of the paper, this print is a bit difficult to print, and is likely to have a bit of "lino noise" and slight variations. This is not to be considered a flaw, but is inherent to the handmade nature of the artwork and process, and a welcome reference to the particular tradition of printing it stems from.