ArtGenetics

💞 On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, couples around the world celebrate their love for each other through words, gifts and actions 💖💐. In this still life painting by Abraham Mignon a few, perhaps sensual, meanings can be found. Love might be hiding in the foods displayed on the table 👀. In the center of the still life, we see oysters that have been opened, their saps spilling on the table. Oysters are a well known aphrodisiac. Another fruit referencing love may be the pomegranate, an ancient symbol of fertility. 🪷

Pomegranate was originally grown on the Persian plateau some 5.000 years ago. Since then it has been cultivated all over the world. Pomegranates are still widely consumed for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular benefits, supporting health and longevity. ❣️

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day today? 🥰

🖼 Still Life with a Goblet of Wine, Fruit and Oysters, Abraham Mignon, ca. 1670 in

The relationship between potato and tomato, both members of the Solanaceae, has been redefined. Recent research (https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)00736-6) suggests that potatoes with tubers originate from a cross between Etuberosum (potato-like species) and tomato. Genes from both species are required to form the typical potato tubers on underground stem extensions. The rise of such a cross coincided with the rising Andes, as it was likel better adapted to the changing environments.

Van Gogh : Still life with and earthen bowl and potatoes (1885).

Gauguin : Tomatoes and a Pewter Tankard on a Table (1883).

While visiting Lund, I found “seated woman with pomegranate and flower” from the tomb of Kybernis in . A very nice depiction of a pomegranate from 510-490 BC. Brought back to life by adding color. The original can be found in .