IJskruid 1746 - 1811

Vincent Jansz. van der Vinne made this delicate botanical study of an ice plant, known as IJskruid, using watercolor on paper. The qualities of watercolor allow for subtle gradations of tone, as you can see in the fleshy, succulent leaves. Van der Vinne has skillfully applied the paint in thin washes, building up the color to create a sense of depth and volume, and using small brushes to delineate the plant's intricate details. The precision involved speaks to the artist's close observation of the plant form and life cycles, informed by the wider scientific study of the natural world at the time. This approach to botanical illustration was not merely decorative. Instead, it served as a crucial tool for scientific documentation and discovery. Works like this allowed for the sharing of plant species from around the world, across geographical boundaries. It reminds us that the division between art, craft and science is a relatively recent idea.