Trifolium repens (hvid-kløver); Trifolium pratense (rød-kløver); Oxalis corniculata (nedliggende surkløver); Trifolium incarnatum (blod-kløver); Oxalis acetosella (skovsyre) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker made this botanical study of clover and sorrel varieties using watercolor and gouache on vellum. These plant studies weren't just pretty pictures. They were scientific investigations, often commissioned by wealthy patrons interested in understanding the natural world. The detail in Holtzbecker's work speaks to a tradition of meticulous observation. The way he renders each leaf, root, and flower demonstrates a deep understanding of botany, along with the precise skills of a trained artist. But beyond the scientific accuracy, there's a clear aesthetic sensibility at play. The composition, the delicate color palette, and the overall sense of harmony elevate this study beyond mere documentation. Holtzbecker transforms these humble plants into objects of beauty, reflecting the cultural values of a society that prized both knowledge and artistic skill. Holtzbecker reminds us that close looking, combined with skillful execution, can reveal the extraordinary within the ordinary.