Bremraap before 1893

Willem Wenckebach made this drawing of a Bremraap, or broomrape, in pen and ink on paper. The stark lines of the plant against the paper reveal a patient hand, and an eye for detail. Pen and ink as a medium lends itself to precision, and demands a steady application of the artist's skill, as well as a deep knowledge of botany. While we cannot be sure of the specific type of paper Wenckebach used, we can see how the ink bleeds slightly, indicating a soft, absorbent surface. This interaction between ink and paper gives the drawing a texture, bringing the flat surface to life. It's worth noting that although the image is technically simple, it reflects a long tradition of botanical illustration, where art and science meet. Wenckebach's careful observation transforms the plant into something more than just a drawing; it becomes a study of nature, and an example of craft.