Plantestudie 1777 - 1779

This is Jens Juel’s "Plantestudie," housed at the SMK, rendered in pencil on paper. The sketch presents a central vertical axis formed by the stem of a plant, around which leaves are symmetrically arranged. Juel’s choice of pencil allows for a study in tonal variations. He uses light and shadow to define the contours of the leaves, giving them volume. The precision with which each leaf is rendered indicates a deep engagement with the natural world, but also with the artistic conventions of botanical illustration. The symmetry in the plant’s structure may be seen as a reflection of broader philosophical concerns with order and balance. It is tempting to see a parallel with the structuralist interest in underlying patterns, where nature itself can be viewed as a system of signs. While seemingly simple, Juel’s study invites us to consider how we perceive and represent the natural world. The interplay between precision and subtlety makes this more than just a botanical study. It transforms the plant into a complex signifier of both aesthetic and intellectual exploration.