Asparagus officinalis (almindelig asparges) 1649 - 1659

Here we see a watercolor and gouache work titled, Asparagus officinalis (almindelig asparges), made by Hans Simon Holtzbecker. Holtzbecker was working in the mid-17th century, a time when the Dutch Golden Age was in full bloom and the scientific revolution was changing our understanding of the natural world. This meticulous depiction of asparagus invites us to consider the cultural status of botanical illustration during this era. Botanical illustration was not merely an objective recording of plant life; it was deeply intertwined with power, trade, and the burgeoning field of natural history. The demand for these illustrations came from wealthy patrons and scientists eager to document and classify the new plants being discovered through global exploration and colonialism. Holtzbecker's asparagus embodies both scientific curiosity and the aesthetic values of the time. It captures a moment when art, science, and global exchange converged, reflecting a complex interplay of knowledge, power, and the human desire to categorize the world around us.