Iris graminea (græsbladet iris); Iris sibirica (sibirisk iris); Iris pseudacorus (gul iris) 1649 - 1659

This botanical illustration, "Iris graminea, Iris sibirica, Iris pseudacorus", was rendered in the mid-17th century by Hans Simon Holtzbecker. It’s made with watercolor and gouache on paper, and the artist really showcases the inherent qualities of these materials. Holtzbecker delicately builds up layers of pigment to capture the subtle gradations of color in the irises and leaves. You can almost feel the texture of the paper itself, and the smoothness of the paint. The artist employs precise brushwork, reflecting the skilled traditions of botanical illustration. In this era, botanical illustration was not just about aesthetics, but also about scientific documentation. These detailed renderings were crucial for understanding and classifying plants, playing a role in both knowledge production and empire. Think about the labor involved: the gathering of specimens, the meticulous observation, the steady hand required to create such a precise image. Ultimately, Holtzbecker’s artwork shows us that what we consider art and science have always been interwoven, reflecting the social and intellectual currents of their time.