Canna (kanna) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker created this image of a Canna plant using watercolor and gouache on vellum. Holtzbecker, working in 17th-century Gottorf, was part of a society deeply enmeshed in the global exchange of goods and knowledge. Consider for a moment the Canna itself, a plant native to the Americas. Its presence in a European court speaks to the vast networks of colonial trade, and to the power dynamics inherent in botanical illustration during this era. These images served not only scientific purposes, but also acted as symbols of status. To commission such detailed renderings of exotic flora was to display one's wealth, knowledge, and connection to global power structures. Notice the plant’s vibrant leaves, rendered with meticulous detail. What do you think about when considering Holtzbecker’s labor? This is more than just a picture of a flower; it's a reflection of a world where nature and art were intertwined with politics.