Centaurea seridis; Silybum marianum (almindelig marietidsel) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker’s “Centaurea seridis; Silybum marianum (almindelig marietidsel)” is a detailed botanical illustration from the 17th century. The artwork depicts two species of plants, Centaurea seridis and Silybum marianum, with intricate detail of their leaves, stems, and flowers. Executed in watercolor, the illustration showcases Holtzbecker's skill in capturing the delicate beauty and intricate structure of the plant world. The piece, now housed in the Statens Museum for Kunst, is a testament to the artistic and scientific interests of the period, offering a glimpse into the burgeoning field of botanical illustration.