Colchicum autumnale (høst-tidløs) 1649 - 1659

This 17th-century watercolor by Hans Simon Holtzbecker, titled “Colchicum autumnale (høst-tidløs)” (Autumn Crocus), showcases the delicate beauty of the Colchicum flower. The artwork features six detailed depictions of the plant, showcasing the various stages of its growth and displaying both white and purple flower variations. Holtzbecker's meticulous rendering of the plant's morphology and subtle color variations exemplifies the flourishing of botanical illustration during the Golden Age of Dutch art. This piece, currently housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, is a testament to the artistic and scientific exploration of the natural world during this period.