Tagetes patula (udspærret fløjlsblomst) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker rendered this image of Tagetes patula, or the French marigold, using watercolour and gouache in the 17th century. Holtzbecker was working in a time when botanical illustration served not just science, but also celebrated the sheer visual delight of the natural world. This piece is so striking because it represents a pivotal moment when our relationship to nature was shifting. The marigold, native to the Americas, had become a coveted subject in European botanical studies, reflecting the increasing globalization of the plant world. What does it mean to take something from its home and then study it so intently? Holtzbecker’s choice to depict these flowers, each with their unique stance and shade, acknowledges their individuality. Consider the emotional weight of observation and documentation that is wrapped up in the simple beauty of these marigolds. Holtzbecker invites us to consider not only the beauty, but the complex history of each bloom.