Bloemstudie 1677 - 1755

Elias van Nijmegen made this flower study with watercolor and graphite, probably sometime around the late 17th or early 18th century. The delicate wash of the watercolor is what gives this drawing its particular character. You can see the plant's subtle gradations of color, and it is interesting to note how the graphite lines seem to follow the flow of the plant's structure, almost like a map of its growth. Nijmegen has worked from life, closely observing the plant's natural form. In doing so, he follows a long tradition in European art of botanical illustration. But this is not just a scientific record. The sensitivity of the drawing gives it an emotional quality, too. The careful execution makes it possible to appreciate the artistry involved, revealing a thoughtful engagement with materials, and challenging any strict division between art and craft.