Botanical Analysis of the Baroque Art on the Eastern Adriatic Coast, South Croatia

The analysis of plants featured in Baroque artworks on the eastern Adriatic coast has not previously been the subject of an in-depth study. The study of plant iconography in Baroque sacred artworks, which are mostly paintings, was carried out in eight churches and monasteries on the Peljesac peninsula in southern Croatia. Taxonomic interpretation of the painted flora on 15 artworks led to the identification of 23 different plant taxa (species or genera) belonging to 17 families. One additional plant was identified only by family taxonomic rank. The number of plants was relatively high, and most species were considered non-native (71%, exotic flora) phanerophytes. In terms of geographic origin, the Palaearctic region (Eurasia) and the American continent were identified as the main areas of plant origin. Lilium candidum, Acanthus mollis, and Chrysanthemum cf. morifolium, were the most common species. We think that the plants were selected for decorative and aesthetic reasons, as well as for their symbolic significance.

Automated summary

The analysis conducted in this study focused on the plants depicted in Baroque artworks on the eastern Adriatic coast, specifically in churches and monasteries in southern Croatia. Through taxonomic interpretation, 23 different plant taxa belonging to 17 families were identified, with the majority being non-native phanerophytes. The selection of these plants was likely based on their decorative and symbolic significance.