Erysimum cheiri (gyldenlak) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker made this representation of Erysimum cheiri, or gyldenlak, using tempera on parchment. Holtzbecker worked in 17th-century Denmark, where he contributed to the creation of the lavish botanical codices commissioned by King Frederik III. These books are more than just beautiful images; they are assertions of royal authority and are testaments to Denmark’s participation in the burgeoning field of natural science. This image creates meaning through its careful observation and detailed execution. It reflects a growing interest in the natural world and the emerging scientific method that emphasized empirical observation. The very existence of these codices points to the social conditions that shaped artistic production at the time, when royal patronage could enable such ambitious projects. To truly understand Holtzbecker's contribution, researchers might consult period botanical texts, royal inventories, or even the artists’ personal correspondence. The meaning of this piece is contingent on the social and institutional context in which it was made.