Allium sphaerocephalon (middelhavs-prydløg); Allium nigrum (sort løg) 1649 - 1659

This botanical study, Allium sphaerocephalon and Allium nigrum, was rendered by Hans Simon Holtzbecker with meticulous precision using watercolor. The striking simplicity of the composition focuses our attention on the structure of the two plants. Notice how Holtzbecker uses line and color to differentiate the two types of allium. The Allium sphaerocephalon, with its dense, spherical head of deep purple, contrasts sharply with the delicate, almost ethereal, Allium nigrum. The artist's use of symmetry is also noteworthy, as the vertical stems and leaves create a balanced composition that draws the eye upward. The even distribution of space around each plant creates a sense of equilibrium. It is a celebration of the inherent order within the natural world. This approach not only invites aesthetic appreciation but also opens a door to considering the broader cultural values attached to the observation and classification of nature during this era.