Solanum lycopersicum (almindelig tomat) 1649 - 1659

This is a watercolor and gouache on vellum, Solanum lycopersicum, or the common tomato, made by Hans Simon Holtzbecker in the 17th century. The artwork is meticulously rendered, showing the plant's leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit. Holtzbecker has used the medium of watercolor and gouache to achieve a high degree of botanical accuracy. The thin washes of color give way to the texture of the paper underneath, providing luminosity to the different parts of the plant. It is clear that Holtzbecker engaged with a skilled tradition of botanical illustration. By the 17th century, printed books and scientific treatises were in high demand. This artwork is a testament to the convergence of art, science, and commerce in the early modern period. It reminds us that artistic practices are always intertwined with broader social, cultural, and economic forces.