Fritillaria imperialis (kejserkrone) 1635 - 1664

Hans Simon Holtzbecker made this watercolor and gouache on vellum of a Fritillaria imperialis, or Crown Imperial, sometime in the 17th century. This botanical portrait speaks volumes about the cultural priorities of its time. The Crown Imperial, native to Persia and the Himalayan foothills, was a prized import in Europe, gracing the gardens of the wealthy. Holtzbecker’s meticulous rendering captures its exotic allure, reflecting the growing interest in natural history and global exploration. Produced in Denmark, this work also highlights the role of royal patronage in the arts and sciences. Botanical art served not only aesthetic purposes but also scientific ones, documenting new species for study. Court artists like Holtzbecker were often employed to record these discoveries, contributing to the expanding knowledge base of the era. To truly understand this image, one might consult period gardening manuals, trade records, and royal inventories. These sources can reveal the plant’s value and its place within the social and intellectual landscape of 17th-century Europe.