Distels before 1893

Willem Wenckebach rendered ‘Distels’ using watercolor and graphite, a combination that allows for both delicate washes of color and precise linework. The plant is depicted with botanical accuracy, but also with an appreciation for its sculptural form. The graphite lines define the spiky leaves and stems, creating a sense of depth and texture, while the watercolor adds a subtle, almost ethereal quality to the plant's form. This is not just a picture; it’s a deep dive into the plant’s very being. The drawing shows Wenckebach’s skilled hand, highlighting the beauty and intricacy of a common plant. In this way, it elevates the status of everyday botanical life. The materials and process invite us to look closer, to value the natural world, and to recognize the artistry inherent in both botanical illustration and the plant itself.