The Comtess d’Egmont Pignatelli in Spanish Dress
Art in Bloom is the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s annual celebration of Spring, Art and Flowers. This year, Herb Society members Deb Carpenter, Deb Nedden, Bonnie Hector, Ann Cathcart, and Carla Jefferson are interpreting, “The Comtess d’ Egmont Pignatelli in Spanish Costume”, located in Gallery 307. Herb Society members have been participating in Art in Bloom since 1985. It is the first time we have interpreted a portrait.
A French aristocrat of the mid-18th century, the Comtess was a tastemaker and influencer whose portrait displays her wealth and accomplishments. The Comtess’ portrait exemplifies the chasm between the rich and poor in France before the Revolution. In it we see what the French aristocracy valued: material possessions, social position, family and political connections.
Interpreting the Comtess has been a challenge. It is hard to relate to her wealth and privilege. We found ourselves empathizing with the common people who enabled her lifestyle.
We decided to emphasize the serenity, calm, and healing properties of Chamomile, the 2025 International Herb Association Herb of the Year, whose colors of white and yellow are echoed in this portrait. Humble chamomile, a common herb that has been used for centuries, would have been found in kitchen and apothecary gardens throughout Europe. Our interpretation also includes chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, hydrangea, eucalyptus, eryngium, roses, bay, rosemary, and lavender.
Although we did not feature a miniature guillotine in our arrangement, we did include eryngium or thistle, as our way of protesting the ostentatious wealth depicted in this portrait.
Art in Bloom can be viewed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art April 23rd through 27th, 2025.
Floral artists and their work.
Herb loving floral designers in action.