Rosa foetida (gul rose); Rosa foetida (tyrkisk rose) 1635 - 1664

Editor: So, here we have "Rosa foetida" by Hans Simon Holtzbecker, sometime between 1635 and 1664. It seems to be a rendering in watercolor and gouache. I’m immediately struck by the flat background and the contrasting colors of the two rose variants. What do you see in this piece, from a formalist perspective? Curator: Precisely. The interplay of colors is central. Notice the compositional balance achieved through the strategic placement of the yellow rose in the upper right quadrant, counterweighted by the red rose below. This careful arrangement activates the surrounding space. What effect do you think the artist was trying to achieve? Editor: I suppose by isolating these botanical specimens on a blank canvas, the artist wanted us to really examine their structure. But the use of gouache, to add opacity and texture, it almost renders the whole scene flat. Curator: Indeed, observe how Holtzbecker utilizes line and shape to meticulously delineate each petal, leaf, and stem. The lines define each element and gives these specimens form and substance. Furthermore, note how light and shadow play across each plane and surface, conveying dimensionality. Do you see an attempt to mimic the look of paper *itself*? Editor: I can definitely see that now. It is like they were mimicking reality on paper in very minute detail, highlighting specific areas to catch the light just so. I see now it has this double effect of seeming almost tangible, yet obviously and undeniably just an artistic recreation on paper. Curator: Exactly. It becomes clear that the real essence resides in its artistic embodiment. Holtzbecker is not just a botanical record, but an artistic achievement about the very means of depicting reality. Editor: Fascinating. It never occurred to me how much of the meaning of the work could be understood by examining these elements and structures of art itself. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. And from now on, remember to attend not just to what is shown, but how it is shown and constructed by its creator.