Artwork

Amaranthus cruentus (rød amarant); Amaranthus caudatus (rævehale-amarant)

Amaranthus cruentus (rød amarant); Amaranthus caudatus (rævehale-amarant) is an unspecified work on paper by Unknown. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1654, this image portrays two species of amaranth—Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus caudatus—arranged side by side.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1654, this image portrays two species of amaranth—Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus caudatus—arranged side by side. The composition is set against a muted beige backdrop that allows the vivid red inflorescences and fresh green foliage to dominate the visual field. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The picture focuses on the botanical characteristics of the two amaranths. Both plants display elongated, feather‑like flower clusters in a deep scarlet hue, while their leaves are a lighter, rounded green. By presenting the specimens with such clarity, the image serves as a study of plant form and coloration, typical of early modern natural illustration.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a realistic manner, the image emphasizes texture through careful shading of the petals and leaf surfaces. The artist employed a restrained palette, letting the contrast between the bright red spikes and the subdued background convey depth. Fine line work delineates the delicate structure of the flower tails, while broader washes suggest the softness of the foliage.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the anonymous creator catalogued as 35199_person, the work dates to the mid‑17th century, a period when botanical documentation was gaining scientific interest. It has remained in the custody of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s ethnobotanical holdings.