Gentiana acaulis (stængelløs ensian); Gentiana verna (vår-ensian); Gentiana acaulis (stængelløs ensian); Gentiana (art af ensian) 1649 - 1659

This botanical illustration by Hans Simon Holtzbecker, created between 1649 and 1659, showcases the delicate beauty of Gentiana acaulis and Gentiana verna flowers. The artwork, currently housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, depicts the plants with meticulous detail, highlighting their distinctive blue blossoms and intricate root systems. The precise rendering of the species exemplifies the burgeoning scientific interest in natural history during the 17th century. The artwork's vibrant colors and realistic portrayal make it a captivating example of botanical illustration, a genre that emerged during the Renaissance and flourished throughout the Enlightenment.