Silene chalcedonica (brændende kærlighed) 1649 - 1659

This botanical illustration, created by Danish artist Hans Simon Holtzbecker between 1649 and 1659, features three detailed depictions of the Silene chalcedonica flower, commonly known as "brændende kærlighed" in Danish. The artwork, currently housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, showcases Holtzbecker's meticulous attention to detail, capturing the delicate structure and vibrant colors of the blossoms. The inclusion of both red and pink variations of the flower adds to the scientific and aesthetic value of the work, highlighting the diversity within a single species. This piece exemplifies the enduring appeal of botanical illustration, blending artistic skill with scientific observation.