Hyacinthoides non-scripta (almindelig klokkeskilla); Hyacinthoides hispanica (spansk klokkeskilla) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker made this watercolor and gouache painting of bluebells on paper. The artist’s material choices speak to a tradition of scientific illustration and botanical study. The smooth surface of the paper allows for the fine detail seen in the delicate rendering of the flowers and bulbs. Holtzbecker meticulously layers thin washes of watercolor to build up the colors of the petals and leaves. The gouache adds opacity, lending a velvety texture to the image and creating subtle highlights. Holtzbecker was known for his botanical illustrations, which demanded precision and accuracy. This wasn’t just art, it was documentation, an essential part of the scientific process during this period. The artist's skill lay in balancing objective observation with aesthetic appeal, capturing the beauty of nature while contributing to its understanding. By focusing on the materials and the meticulous techniques employed, we can appreciate how craft traditions played a crucial role in the development of scientific knowledge.