Polygonatum multiflorum (stor konval); Polygonatum odoratum (kantet konval) 1649 - 1659

Editor: This is a botanical study by Hans Simon Holtzbecker from the mid-17th century, rendered in watercolour and gouache. It features two sprigs of what looks like Polygonatum, also known as Solomon’s Seal. What do you notice first? Curator: I see a fascinating convergence of science and art. Holtzbecker's detailed depiction serves both as a precise botanical record and as an object of beauty. Notice how he carefully renders not just the visible plant but also the root system; the roots being symbolic of origins, family trees, foundations. Editor: That's a great point. I was mainly focusing on the drooping, bell-shaped flowers, but you’re right. The inclusion of the roots changes how I see it. Do you think this was intended as a scientific illustration, or was there perhaps another layer of meaning intended? Curator: The two are intertwined, aren't they? In the 17th century, botanical illustration was often imbued with symbolic weight. Think about the tradition of the *hortus conclusus*, the enclosed garden, often a symbol for the Virgin Mary, purity, refuge. Might this image carry connotations of medicinal knowledge, or the secret language of flowers that would resonate with a particular audience? Holtzbecker, as court painter, perhaps created an object of status that displayed erudition in the fields of science and the Arts? Editor: So, perhaps it’s less about documenting plants and more about connecting knowledge and symbolism? Curator: Precisely! The specific selection and arrangement could convey specific ideas rooted in period sensibilities. Editor: This really enriches how I see this artwork! It’s more than just a picture of a plant, it reflects the way people understood the natural world and the intersection of knowledge, meaning and power in the 17th century. Curator: Indeed, understanding this deeper historical context transforms the work. Seeing the artwork's potential to trigger dialogue enriches the whole museum experience!