Papaver somniferum (opium-valmue) 1635 - 1664

Hans Simon Holtzbecker created this botanical study of "Papaver somniferum" with watercolour and gouache. The two opium poppies command our attention with their meticulous detail and vibrant colours. The poppy on the left, rendered in hues of red and hints of purple, displays an open face, while the right poppy, with its deeper shades, has a more closed and mysterious presence. Holtzbecker's work transcends mere botanical illustration; it subtly engages with semiotic codes. The flowers, commonly associated with sleep and dreams, are presented with scientific precision but also with an aesthetic sensibility. The artist doesn't just depict; he interprets, prompting viewers to consider the cultural significance of the poppy, historically linked to both healing and oblivion. Note the artist’s meticulous technique, evident in the delicate rendering of each petal and leaf, demonstrating both artistic skill and an intent to categorize and understand the natural world through visual means. This dual function underscores a broader cultural preoccupation with knowledge and representation during Holtzbecker’s time.