Polygonum sagittatum 1738

"Polygonum sagittatum" is a botanical illustration by Dutch artist Jan Wandelaar, created in 1738. Wandelaar, known for his precise and detailed depictions of plants, showcases the arrow-leaved tearthumb in a minimalist composition. The single stem, rendered with delicate hatching lines, rises against a blank background, emphasizing the plant's structure and form. This botanical illustration is a fine example of the scientific and artistic pursuit of natural history in the 18th century, a period when detailed observation and documentation of the natural world were highly valued. It is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.