Hesperis matronalis (almindelig aftenstjerne) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker's "Hesperis matronalis (almindelig aftenstjerne)" (1649-1659) is a detailed botanical illustration showcasing the delicate beauty of the evening stock plant. The artwork, housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, captures the plant's distinct white and pink blossoms, as well as its lush green foliage and root system. This intricate depiction exemplifies the meticulous detail and scientific precision of 17th-century botanical illustration. Holtzbecker's work, often characterized by its vibrant colors and lifelike representation, reflects a growing interest in the natural world during this period.