Blad met ranken met bloemen 1740 - 1780

Johann Wilhelm Meyer created this drawing of flowering vines on paper, but its date is unknown. The delicate rendering of flora suggests an interest in the natural world that was increasingly popular across Europe beginning in the 17th century, when scientific advances encouraged direct observation. However, it is also important to consider how the drawing might have been used. Botanical illustration was often commissioned by wealthy patrons who wanted to document rare and exotic plants in their gardens, reflecting their social status. Another possibility is that the design was intended for use in the decorative arts, such as wallpaper or textiles. Studying the context in which an artwork was made, and the purposes for which it was intended, helps us to understand its place in the broader cultural landscape. We can study the history of publishing, of gardens and estates, and of the decorative arts in order to understand better Meyer's world.