Gloriosa Superba (Climbing Lily) 1655 - 1665

Nicolas Robert created 'Gloriosa Superba (Climbing Lily)' using watercolor and graphite on paper. At first glance, one is struck by the botanical specimen rendered with detailed precision against the stark white background. The climbing lily is depicted through sinuous lines forming the stem, leaves and tendrils. The color palette—a blend of verdant greens and fiery reds—gives the drawing a vivid presence. Robert’s work invites us to consider the very nature of representation and scientific inquiry. His formal approach emphasizes accuracy, yet it also reveals an engagement with the symbolic language of flora. The detailed execution challenges our perception, blurring the lines between art and science, inviting us to question the nature of seeing itself. Notice how the formal elements of color and line serve not only a descriptive function but also a deeper exploration into the poetics of natural forms. This intersection of science and art, challenges us to reconsider the boundaries of categorization and knowledge.