Legousia speculum-veneris (ægte venusspejl); Hesperis tristis (natviol) 1649 - 1659

"Legousia speculum-veneris (ægte venusspejl); Hesperis tristis (natviol)" is a botanical illustration by Hans Simon Holtzbecker, a Danish artist known for his meticulous depictions of plants. Created between 1649 and 1659, the artwork features two distinct plants: the blue-flowered Venus' Looking-Glass (Legousia speculum-veneris) and the pale purple-flowered Dame's Violet (Hesperis tristis). The detailed rendering of the stems, leaves, and flowers exemplifies the precision and scientific accuracy typical of botanical illustration during the 17th century. This watercolor, housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, showcases Holtzbecker's talent for capturing the beauty and intricacy of the natural world.