Twee soorten irissen 1617

Crispijn van de Passe II created this print of two irises sometime before 1670. Executed with fine lines and careful shading, the composition draws our attention to the botanical structure of the flowers. Each iris is presented in a symmetrical pose. The petals curve and fold, displaying an organic quality. The graphic articulation of the leaves and stems creates a linear rhythm. We can almost feel the texture of the paper and the precision of the engraved lines. The formal arrangement invites a comparative analysis, between the shapes, and the surface qualities rendered through hatching and cross-hatching. This work reflects the period’s interest in natural history, while also emphasizing the aesthetic qualities of the iris. Van de Passe’s delicate yet precise technique highlights the flower's intrinsic beauty. This is not merely a botanical illustration. The artistry lies in its intricate depiction and how it invites us to explore the intersection of science and art through form and composition.