Artwork

Centaurea montana (bjerg-knopurt); Amberboa moschata (duft-sultan)

Centaurea montana (bjerg-knopurt); Amberboa moschata (duft-sultan) 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

The work, titled Centaurea montana (bjerg‑knopurt) and Amberboa moschata (duft‑sultan), is an image‑based representation dating to around 1654. It is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and attributed to the artist recorded as 35199_person.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts three upright plants, each rendered with distinct floral forms. To the left a spiky, blue‑toned blossom with slender foliage is shown; the central stem bears a rounded, pinkish bud, while the rightmost plant features a white, fluffy flower accompanied by jagged leaves. The selection highlights botanical variety and the subtle interplay of color and form.

Technique & Style

Attention to fine details such as root structures and leaf contours characterises the piece. The palette is restrained, employing muted, natural hues without pronounced highlights, creating a calm, observational quality. The rendering suggests a layered approach typical of watercolor, allowing delicate transitions between tones.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1654, the image entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its attribution to the catalogued creator 35199_person reflects the museum’s documentation practices for works of uncertain authorship.