Primula vulgaris (karnevals-kodriver); Primula vulgaris (hybrid af storblomstret kodriver); Primula veris (hybrid af hulkravet kodriver) 1649 - 1659

This detailed botanical study of Primula species was made by Hans Simon Holtzbecker. Executed on paper with watercolor and gouache, the painting presents four distinct floral arrangements against a neutral backdrop, inviting an almost scientific examination. Holtzbecker's composition is structured by a careful arrangement of forms, juxtaposing the soft, rounded shapes of the flowers with the sharp, linear qualities of the leaves and stems. Notice how the artist employs color—the subtle gradations of pink, yellow, and green—to differentiate each specimen and highlight their unique textures. The deliberate placement of each plant, complete with roots, emphasizes a holistic view of nature, but also provides a sense of depth to the arrangement. The meticulous detail and symmetry evident in Holtzbecker's work speak to a broader cultural interest in natural history and the ordering of knowledge during the 17th century. The artwork can be seen as a form of visual taxonomy, which challenged fixed meanings, opening new ways of thinking about our perception of space and nature. Each element functions within a cultural and philosophical discourse.