Who painted Cistus creticus (kreta-soløjetræ)?

Cistus creticus (kreta-soløjetræ) was painted by Unknown in 1654.

Where can I see Cistus creticus (kreta-soløjetræ)?

Cistus creticus (kreta-soløjetræ) is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Cistus creticus (kreta-soløjetræ)

Cistus creticus (kreta-soløjetræ) 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 by the artist catalogued as 35199_person, this watercolor illustration depicts a solitary Cistus creticus, commonly known as the kreta-soløjetræ. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and presents the plant against an unadorned, light background that emphasizes its form.

Subject & Meaning

The image focuses on a single shrub, showing two delicate pink blossoms with bright yellow centers perched on a slender, branching stem. Long, narrow green leaves extend from the stem, rendering a naturalistic yet composed representation of the species.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the artist employs transparent washes to achieve fresh, luminous hues while preserving fine detail. The brushwork balances realism with a measured, illustrative quality, allowing the plant’s textures and colors to be rendered with clarity without striving for photographic exactness.

History & Provenance

The piece dates to the mid‑17th century and has remained within the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography. Its attribution to 35199_person reflects the museum’s cataloguing system rather than a widely recognized name, indicating the work’s documentation within the institution’s ethnographic collection.