Calendula officinalis (have-morgenfrue) 1649 - 1659

Hans Simon Holtzbecker made this depiction of Calendula officinalis, or the pot marigold, in the 17th century. It is part of a detailed study of plant life. The work reflects the growing scientific interest in botany during the period, but we might also consider the social and economic factors that shaped its creation. Holtzbecker was working in Denmark, where the royal court was deeply invested in scientific and artistic pursuits. Botanical illustrations were not merely scientific records; they were also symbols of wealth, knowledge, and power. The level of detail and accuracy suggests that this work was intended for a learned audience, perhaps connected to a university or the court. The choice of the pot marigold, a common but useful plant, hints at an interest in the practical applications of botany, such as medicine. To truly understand the image, we must consider the social structures of 17th-century Denmark, as well as the institutions that supported artistic and scientific production.