Artwork

Butomus umbellatus (brudelys); Phragmites australis (almindelig tagrør)

Butomus umbellatus (brudelys); Phragmites australis (almindelig tagrør) 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 botanical illustration by the artist identified as 35199_person is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. Rendered as an image, it presents a side‑by‑side study of two plant species, rendered with meticulous attention to form and structure.

Subject & Meaning

The left panel depicts Butomus umbellatus, commonly known as brudelys, characterized by its pink inflorescences and slender, linear foliage. Opposite it, Phragmites australis, the common reed, is shown with its tall, flat leaves and delicate, feathery seed head. The juxtaposition highlights contrasting growth habits within wetland flora.

Technique & Style

The work employs fine line work to render leaf texture, root systems, and flower morphology, reflecting the scientific drawing conventions of the mid‑17th century. The emphasis on anatomical detail serves both aesthetic and instructional purposes, typical of early modern botanical documentation.

History & Provenance

Attributed to 35199_person, the illustration dates to circa 1654 and has remained within the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography. Its preservation offers insight into the period’s approach to natural history illustration and the museum’s commitment to conserving such visual records.