Canna indica (spiselig kanna) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker made this watercolor painting of a Canna indica, also known as an edible canna, during the 17th century. At this time, botanical illustrations were very popular, particularly among the wealthy merchant and aristocratic classes. This interest in plants and botany reflected an emerging global awareness, as traders and explorers brought back new species from their travels. Holtzbecker’s delicate rendering of the canna, with its vibrant orange flowers and large green leaves, suggests both the beauty and the exoticism of the plant. Originally from South America, the canna was brought to Europe and quickly became a prized ornamental species. The artist's focus on detail gives the artwork an emotional quality, as he seems to relish the opportunity to highlight the plant's natural beauty. In this way, Holtzbecker encourages us to consider the intersection of science, commerce, and aesthetics that shaped the cultural perception of the natural world during this period.