Twee bloemen 1820 - 1833

Anton Weiss made this drawing called "Two Flowers" using graphite, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. This work is a fine example of botanical illustration, a genre that found popularity as the science of botany advanced. But these images weren't only produced for scientific purposes. Wealthy landowners, for example, used them to classify their gardens, connecting scientific knowledge with personal wealth and status. The social history of botanical imagery can be traced through the rise of institutions like botanical gardens, as well as through illustrated publications that were used to educate both professional and amateur botanists. Here, the artist has captured the delicate forms of the flowers, portraying their beauty and intricacy. For further research, look into publications such as "Curtis's Botanical Magazine" to trace the social and cultural background of the art of botanical illustration in 19th century Europe.