Fritillaria meleagris (almindelig vibeæg) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker’s “Fritillaria meleagris (almindelig vibeæg)” is a 17th-century botanical illustration depicting the checkered lily, a flower native to Europe. The artwork, housed at SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, portrays five individual plants with detailed accuracy, highlighting the delicate checkered pattern of the flowers and the intricate root systems. This work is an example of the meticulous scientific observation and artistry that characterized botanical illustration during this period. The artist's keen eye for detail and use of watercolor contribute to the realism and scientific value of the work.