Tagetes patula (udspærret fløjlsblomst) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker created this watercolor and gouache artwork of Tagetes patula, or French marigolds, sometime in the 17th century. At first glance, the composition presents a structured, almost scientific depiction of the plant, yet it subtly invites a deeper reading. The artist arranges the marigolds with a sharp eye for linear structure, each stem rising vertically, intersected by the sharp angles of the leaves. The vibrant oranges and yellows of the blooms stand out against the muted greens and the off-white backdrop, drawing attention to the geometry inherent in the natural world. Looking closer, we see slight deviations from pure botanical illustration. A bloom in the center tilts, seemingly caught in motion, disrupting the rigid symmetry and suggesting an interest in the transient aspects of nature. This hints at a broader cultural shift, where formalism begins to acknowledge the complexities and impermanence of existence, challenging the fixed categories of the natural order. The painting serves not just as an aesthetic rendering, but also as a philosophical inquiry into how we perceive and classify the world around us.