Primula veris (hybrid af hulkravet kodriver); Primula vulgaris (hybrid af storblomstret kodriver) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker made this botanical study of primula veris and primula vulgaris on paper, using watercolor, at an unknown date. Holtzbecker's skilled brushwork captures the delicate textures of these hybrid primroses. The watercolor medium lends itself well to portraying the soft, translucent petals and the intricate details of the leaves and roots. The paper support provides a smooth surface that enhances the precision of the artist's lines and the subtlety of the colors. The scientific accuracy and artistic finesse suggest the artist may have trained or worked in a commercial workshop, producing images for wealthy patrons interested in botany. The amount of labor involved in creating such a detailed and precise study reflects the value placed on scientific knowledge and the careful observation of nature during the 17th century. By considering the materials, the making process, and the social context in which this artwork was created, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which craft and science intersected in the early modern period.