Kerstroos 1617

This 17th century engraving by Crispijn van de Passe (II), titled "Kerstroos," depicts three Hellebore flowers in intricate detail. The artist's meticulous linework captures the delicate petals, the thick stems, and the lush foliage of the plant. "Kerstroos," meaning "Christmas rose," is a fitting name for the flower as its blooms appear during the winter months. This print, now in the Rijksmuseum, likely served as an illustration for a botanical or medicinal text, showcasing the beauty and value of natural forms during the Dutch Golden Age.