Artwork

Campsis radicans (almindelig trompetblomst)

Campsis radicans (almindelig trompetblomst), by Unknown, unspecified, 1654
Campsis radicans (almindelig trompetblomst), by Unknown, unspecified, 1654

Campsis radicans (almindelig trompetblomst) 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

Campsis radicans, commonly known as the common trumpet vine, is presented as an image created around 1654 by the artist catalogued as 35199_person. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as a botanical illustration of the plant’s foliage and blossoms.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration focuses on the vine’s characteristic green leaves and clusters of red, trumpet-shaped flowers with a yellow interior. By isolating the plant against a light yellow background, the image emphasizes the form and structure of the species, offering a clear visual reference for its identification.

Technique & Style

Executed in a medium that reproduces the appearance of watercolor, the work employs fine line work and subtle shading to render the plant’s texture. The light background serves to flatten the composition, allowing the details of the leaves and blossoms to stand out without decorative distraction.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑17th century, the piece has remained within institutional holdings, eventually entering the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. Its attribution to 35199_person reflects the cataloguing practice of the museum, preserving the work’s provenance for scholarly reference.

Context

Botanical illustration was a vital tool for scientific study in the 1600s, bridging art and natural history. This image of Campsis radicans aligns with contemporary efforts to document plant species accurately, supporting both horticultural knowledge and the visual culture of the period.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known