Mariëtteklokje en marjolein 1617

This is Crispijn van de Passe the Younger's "Mariëtteklokje en marjolein," an engraving, now at the Rijksmuseum. The composition divides the picture plane into two distinct botanical studies. On the left, we see bellflowers, their delicate forms rendered with meticulous detail. To the right, the marjoram is depicted, its spiky texture contrasting sharply with the smooth curves of the bellflowers. The use of line is paramount here. Each plant is defined by intricate networks of etched lines, creating a sense of depth and volume. Notice how van de Passe varies the density of the lines to suggest light and shadow, giving the image a sculptural quality. This attention to detail elevates the work beyond mere botanical illustration, transforming it into a study of form and texture. In its precision, the print reflects a broader interest in scientific observation during the 17th century. Yet, through its formal arrangement, the print transcends pure documentation. It invites us to consider the aesthetic qualities inherent in the natural world.