Your Name is Safe in My Mouth by portrait artist Cassandra Barney available from Snow Goose Gallery.

 

The rose has been used for centuries to convey messages without words. The Latin expression sub rosa (literally "under the rose") means something told in secret, thus the rose has long been a symbol of confidentiality.

 

The woman here sits sub rosa. Your Name is Safe in My Mouth means that she will never speak badly of you. This means more than simply your-secrets-are-her-secrets. This painting is about discovering the trust in love because having trust in a partner is invaluable. Nothing that will hurt the ones you love should come from your mouth. It is one way of honoring the people that you care about.

 

The flower she holds is the lily of the valley.  Some think this flower is referred to in Song of Songs: 2.1 ("a lily among thorns"), concerning the idea that the true path is able to thrive in even the harshest environment.  This flower also carries with it the sentiment, "You will find happiness."  In either case, this woman's relationship will thrive because she chooses to base it on honor and trust.

 

Giclee canvas released February 2009.