Cardamine pratensis (engkarse); Campanula rotundifolia (?) (liden klokke); Silene vulgaris (?) (blæresmelde) 1635 - 1664

This watercolor and gouache on parchment is by Hans Simon Holtzbecker, created sometime between 1650 and 1671. Holtzbecker was a sought-after artist in his time, painting primarily for the botanical albums of royalty. Here we see three studies of flowers, carefully rendered with a delicate hand. Works like this one reflect the intersection of art and science that was emerging in the 17th century, as the detailed observation of the natural world became a focus of intellectual and artistic pursuits. It makes me wonder about Holtzbecker’s personal relationship to these flowers. There's an element of identity, too. Botanical art in this era was often tied to colonial exploration, documenting and classifying plants from newly "discovered" lands, furthering the reach of European power. But here, the artist focuses on local flora. Holtzbecker's choice could be read as a subtle statement of cultural pride, finding beauty and value in the familiar landscapes of his home. It is an expression of selfhood rooted in place.