In class we were discussing the possible meaning behind the Iris in the painting of Adam and Eve. I was curious about it and looked up what a Purple or Blue Iris would represent. I found that the Iris was originally symbolic for the Greek goddess Iris and stood for power and majesty. The meaning behind the flower grew to include valor, wisdom and faith as well as royalty. Taking that into consideration, the Iris, which is pointing at Eve's womb, has a deeper mean.
My interpretation of the placement is that it is implying that from Eve's womb will come the king, Jesus. We had mentioned the possibility of her appearing pregnant as meaning that from her womb sin will enter the world, but Jesus is also her descendant. Although Eve ate the fruit and her and Adam cause sin to enter the world, she will also give birth to the beginning of the line that will lead to God's son, Jesus. The Iris is symbolic of the eventual birth of Jesus, the Messiah, who will have the wisdom, power and majesty to save the people from sin.
Elaina,
ReplyDeleteNice find about the iris. I think that's a great reading.