6. The Triumph of the Dogaressa
The Capital Flower Fairy
Yasmine Zerhouni
2025 installation - Great Staircase
The Inspiration
The largest work of art in the collection, The Triumph of the Dogaressa depicts the 1424 inaugural procession of the doge of Venice, Francesco Foscari, and his wife, Dogaressa Marina. It was painted by Spanish artists Josè Villegas y Cordero in 1882-1893.
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: "The Triumph of the Dogaressa" (1893) by José Villegas y Cordero embodies Venetian power, aristocratic grandeur, and the ceremonial prestige of the dogaressa. Celebrating honor and feminine virtue, it reflects Venice’s love for spectacle while nostalgically recalling a bygone era of wealth and splendor.
The painting depicts Marina Nani Foscari in 1424 as she departs the Palazzo Foscari for the Ducal Palace. She is accompanied by her handmaidens, high-ranking officials, and members of the Grand Council. In the foreground, Doge Foscari stands among political figures, while on the left, a group of pages presents the Corno Ducale (Ducal Cap) to the dogaressa. Venice itself is personified by a crowned young woman among them.
This floral installation draws inspiration from Villegas y Cordero’s masterful use of depth and contrast. The dogaressa, draped in luminous gold, commands attention as she descends the grand staircase, framed by her ladies-in-waiting in ethereal white. Their rhythmic procession and the rich red carpet beneath heighten her regal presence, making her feel almost untouchable, regal, yet in motion.
In my design, I aimed to capture this interplay of perspective and movement. The triangular composition echoes the artist’s use of perspective, with golden blooms representing the dogaressa at the center, contrasted by white lilies symbolizing the purity and innocence of her ladies-in-waiting. Layering blooms to mirror the painting’s composition, this installation transforms the canvas into a floral reality. Now, step back. Let your eyes follow the blooms’ play on perspective.
Recipe: Mokara orchids, white lilies, and red roses amongst other blooms.
THE DESIGNER
Yasmine Zerhouni
The Capital Flower Fairy
Yasmine is the floral designer behind The Capital Flower Fairy. While she may not possess fairy wings herself, Yasmine wholeheartedly believes in the enchantment that Mother Nature bestows upon us, and she is dedicated to sharing that magic with everyone she meets.
Yasmine's journey began in Algiers, Algeria, a city steeped in the intoxicating fragrance of Musk-el-lil that fills the air during summer nights. It was within the heart of Algiers that Yasmine discovered her fervor for all things floral, from her grandmother's blooming balcony in the city-center. Yasmine now dedicates herself to adorning the city that witnessed her academic achievements, Washington, DC, and beyond. Her floral creations are not just arrangements; they are unique and customizable installations that evoke a sense of wonder.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Akbar Sayed Photography
Between his studies and his caring for patients as a nursing student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Akbar Sayed sought a creative outlet to capture the beauty that he saw in life at all stages.
He purchased his first camera and photographed whatever and whoever was in front of him, but emotions inspired him most of all (an empath through and through). After months of sharing his work for the pure enjoyment of it, Akbar was asked to capture a wedding. The artistry was innate — his work was published in Baltimore Style magazine, despite it being his very first wedding.
In 2011, Akbar met his wife who, from the beginning, believed in his natural artistic vision. She continues to be the source of much creative and practical inspiration, often encouraging him to be present and laughing at his dad jokes.
