Paeonia lactiflora (silke-pæon) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker made this watercolour on parchment, Paeonia lactiflora, sometime in the 17th century. Working with watercolour on parchment allowed Holtzbecker to capture the delicate layers of the peony, rendering the plant with near scientific precision. Notice how he's managed to conjure the textures of the plant’s surfaces – the silky petals, the waxy leaves. These aren't traditional art materials in the sense of say, oil paint on canvas. They belong to the world of scientific illustration, where accuracy and detail were paramount. The plant itself, a Paeonia lactiflora, also known as a Chinese peony, would have been an imported luxury. By detailing it, Holtzbecker isn't just showing us his skill; he's also giving us a glimpse into the world of wealth, global trade, and botanical study that was emerging in his time. Considering the materials, the making, and the plant itself, enriches our understanding of this artwork, and challenges the divide between science and art, craft and high culture.