Rosa (?) (rose); Syringa vulgaris (almindelig syren) 1635 - 1664

This meticulous botanical study was made by Hans Simon Holtzbecker, likely in the mid-17th century, using watercolor on paper. The artist has captured the delicate textures of Rosa and Syringa vulgaris through the careful application of layered washes. Look closely and you'll notice the way the water-based pigment pools and settles, creating subtle variations in tone that give the leaves their realistic sheen. It's important to remember that even a work as seemingly straightforward as this involves considerable skill and labor. Holtzbecker would have had to mix his own pigments, prepare his paper, and then painstakingly render each detail with a fine brush. Consider the amount of time involved in this production process, and the social structures that made this work possible. By focusing on the artist’s technical skill and social context, we can appreciate the deep artistry that exists across all creative fields.