Fritillaria meleagris (almindelig vibeæg); Fritillaria aurea eller Fritillaria tubiformis & moggridgei (vibeæg); Fritillaria montana 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker rendered these fritillaries in ink and watercolour in the 17th century. The checkered pattern on the bell-shaped flowers is striking, reminiscent of a harlequin's costume, a symbol of transformation and trickery. Consider how such botanical depictions became vital in the Renaissance, reflecting a broader quest for knowledge and a revival of classical learning. The checkered motif, echoing the vulnerability and the transient nature of life, contrasts sharply with the meticulous depiction. We see the constant push and pull between the rational desire to classify nature and the deep-seated awareness of life's uncertainties reflected in this botanical study, the harlequin's flowers remind us that appearances are deceptive, and change is the only constant.