Punica Granatum, 2005 Concept and cento poem by Harriet Bart Published by Mnemonic Press Letterpress and embossing on 300gsm Magnani Pescia Embossed images by McIntosh Embossing Presswork and typography by Philip Gallo at The Hermetic Press Binding by Jill Jevne
Punica Granatum was inspired by Harriet Bart’s travels through Israel in 2000 and 2001. The profusion of pomegranate trees (scientific name, Punica granatum) and the many images of them inscribed on ancient stone fragments, fired her interest in this fruit of the gods. In 2002, Bart cast pomegranates in bronze. That work led to the creation of Punica Granatum, in which the pomegranate is presented as the fruit of love and seduction. Excerpts from classical and contemporary sources are threaded together to form a new text that extols the mythic powers of the pomegranate.
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