Titel: Iris persica (persisk iris); Iris variegata (broget iris); Iris ×sambucina (hylde-iris) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker made this botanical study of irises on paper with watercolor, sometime in the 17th century. Though seemingly straightforward, botanical illustration like this one demands careful attention to both scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal. Holtzbecker would have needed a deep understanding of the plants' physical structure, and how to translate their three-dimensional forms onto a two-dimensional surface. The choice of watercolor allows for both precision and delicacy, capturing the subtle gradations of color and texture in the petals and leaves. This medium requires a steady hand and an ability to build up layers of pigment gradually, suggesting both light and depth. Notice how the artist meticulously renders the root systems and veins in the leaves, showcasing nature's intricate details. Such works speak to an era increasingly preoccupied with natural science. They blur the boundaries between art and science, observation and representation, and ultimately remind us that close looking is a form of making in itself.