Many of the flowers in the painting can be identified: The buttercup (Ranunculus acris); the daisy (Bellis perennis); the ox-eye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum); the lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor); the field poppy (Papaver dubium); the ground thistle (Cirsium acaule); crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum); common hawkbit (Leontodon taraxacoides); common ivy (Hedera helix); ragwort (Senecio jacobaea). The flowers, executed with Maclise’s distinctive attention to detail, may have been included simply to display his versatility, skill in draughtsmanship and use of colour. However, throughout history, the inclusion of flowers in art has symbolised hope, as well as, the fleeting nature of life and beauty.
