Malva sylvestris (almindelig katost); Lavatera thuringiaca (tysk poppelrose) 1649 - 1659

This sheet of studies, by Hans Simon Holtzbecker, was made with watercolor and gouache on parchment. The plant studies, likely created sometime in the mid-17th century, evidence the skilled tradition of botanical illustration, a practice that lies at the intersection of art and science. The layered application of watercolor and gouache allows for the creation of translucent depth and delicate rendering of surface texture. Note the gradation of color on the petals, achieved through precise brushwork. The build-up of pigment creates a subtle three-dimensionality, while the vellum offers a smooth surface, ideally suited for this kind of meticulous naturalistic depiction. Holtzbecker’s botanical studies reflect the growing scientific curiosity of the period, and an increased appreciation for natural specimens. The making of such images demanded a high degree of observational skill and manual dexterity. Appreciating the artwork through the lens of its making allows us to move beyond simply admiring its aesthetic beauty, to recognize the labor and the cultural context that informed its creation.