Leverbloempje en een cultivar 1617

Crispijn van de Passe II created this print, "Leverbloempje en een cultivar," sometime in the 17th century. Its delicate lines capture two variations of the liverleaf plant in meticulous detail. The composition is divided into two distinct groupings, each presenting a different cultivar. Note the contrast between the compact, dense arrangement of the left plant and the more open, flowing form of the right. Passe's precise use of line creates a textural contrast. The leaves, rendered with subtle gradations, give the print a sense of depth and volume, while the surrounding insects offer a sense of scale. This kind of scientific illustration reflects the period's fascination with natural history and the ordering of the natural world. Yet, by emphasizing the aesthetic qualities of the plants, Passe elevates the print beyond a mere botanical study. It invites us to consider how scientific observation and artistic expression intersect, challenging the notion of art as separate from science.