Afrikaantje (Tagetes) 1617

Crispijn van de Passe's detailed engraving, "Afrikaantje (Tagetes)" (1617), is a fine example of botanical illustration. The work showcases the delicate beauty of the Tagetes flower, with its intricate petals and slender stem. The meticulous detail of the engraving, from the texture of the leaves to the delicate wings of the bee, reflects the artistic skill of this 17th-century Dutch artist. This print was likely part of a larger series, highlighting the diversity of flora in the Dutch Golden Age. Today, it is housed in the Rijksmuseum, where it continues to captivate viewers with its intricate detail and scientific accuracy.