"St. Veronica: A Symbol of Compassion and Devotion in Victorian Botanical Illustration" In the world of botanical illustration, one plant stands out for its delicate beauty and symbolic significance - the Speedwell, also known as Veronica. This petite flower with vibrant blue petals has long been associated with St. Veronica, a figure from scenes depicting the Life of Jesus. One such portrayal is found in "The Sudarium, " an oil painting that captures St. Veronica's act of compassion as she offers her veil to wipe Jesus' face during his journey to Calvary. The image showcases her selflessness and devotion, immortalizing her in art history. Another notable representation can be seen in a woodcut print titled "Saint Veronica. " Printed in pale brown ink, it portrays her holding the iconic Sudarium while surrounded by Thyme plants - symbolizing courage and strength. The influence of St. Veronica extends beyond traditional religious artwork into other realms like Spanish Colonial Designs of New Mexico. In Plate 20 from this portfolio, we see an unknown artist's interpretation of Saint Veronica rendered with intricate details and vivid colors. Moving further back in time, Hans Memling's masterpiece from the late 15th century presents us with another captivating depiction on folio 13 verso of a Book of Hours. Here we find Christ as Salvator mundi holding an orb while Saint Veronica gazes upon him reverently. Throughout these various artistic renditions spanning centuries, St. Veronica remains a powerful symbol representing acts of kindness and empathy towards others – virtues that continue to inspire people today. Whether through Victorian botanical illustrations or medieval manuscripts like "The Mass of St Gregory, " where she makes an appearance among devout worshippers; Saint Veronica's presence resonates deeply within our collective consciousness. As we contemplate these visual representations capturing moments when she renders service to Jesus along his arduous path towards crucifixion (Station No.