Who painted Asclepias incarnata (rosen-silkeplante)?

Asclepias incarnata (rosen-silkeplante) was painted by Unknown in 1654.

Where can I see Asclepias incarnata (rosen-silkeplante)?

Asclepias incarnata (rosen-silkeplante) is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Asclepias incarnata (rosen-silkeplante)

Asclepias incarnata (rosen-silkeplante) is an unspecified work on paper by Unknown. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1654, this watercolor by the artist identified as 35199_person depicts two specimens of Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as the rose milkweed. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and presents the plants against a muted beige background, emphasizing their form and coloration.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on the botanical details of the milkweed: the left plant displays a cluster of purple blossoms at its apex, while the right plant shows mature green seed pods. By juxtaposing flower and fruit, the image conveys a simple study of the plant’s life cycle, reflecting an interest in natural observation.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the piece employs soft, translucent washes that render the foliage with a delicate texture. Light brushwork captures the subtle veining of the leaves and the gentle gradation of the petals, while the restrained palette maintains a calm, scholarly tone typical of 17th‑century botanical illustration.

History & Provenance

The work dates to the mid‑17th century, a period when detailed plant studies were increasingly valued for scientific and artistic purposes. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains an example of early modern naturalistic rendering within the institution’s ethnographic context.