Muurbloem (Erysimum cheiri) 1790s

Jan Anton Garemyn created this watercolour drawing of a Wallflower or 'Muurbloem' in Flemish, presumably in the Southern Netherlands sometime in the 18th century. The drawing appears to be part of a series, indexed by a number in the top right-hand corner, perhaps part of an inventory of the artist's work or a botanical collection. During this period, scientific societies blossomed throughout Europe, with their members seeking to classify the natural world through careful observation, collection, and comparison. Flemish artists played a vital role in this movement, providing detailed illustrations for scientific publications, and fostering a wider appreciation of the beauty and complexity of nature. To fully appreciate the social and cultural context of this drawing, we can consult the records of scientific societies, correspondence between botanists, and the writings of Enlightenment thinkers to better understand the role of art in shaping scientific knowledge and promoting a deeper understanding of the natural world.