Adonis vernalis (vår-adonis); Cypripedium calceolus (stor fruesko); Ranunculus asiaticus (have-ranunkel); Ranunculus (art af ranunkel) 1649 - 1659

Here is a botanical study made with watercolour and gouache by Hans Simon Holtzbecker. It is made on parchment. The composition arranges several flower specimens, each meticulously rendered with roots exposed, against a neutral background. Holtzbecker skillfully captures the textures and forms of the flora, inviting us to consider the underlying structure and patterns in nature. The colour palette is restrained, focusing on natural hues, which creates a sense of scientific observation. This piece destabilizes traditional still life arrangements by emphasizing the plants' entire structure, revealing the hidden root systems and challenging conventional notions of beauty. The artist integrates these roots which act as a structural element, suggesting a deeper understanding of natural systems. This scientific approach reflects the burgeoning interest in the natural world during the period of its creation. Through the formal qualities of line, colour, and composition, Holtzbecker invites a re-evaluation of nature beyond surface appearances, delving into the complex structures that sustain it. This approach transforms the artwork into a study of nature's complex systems.