Artwork

Echinops sphaerocephalus (almindelig tidselkugle); Carthamus tinctorius (gul saflortidsel)

Echinops sphaerocephalus (almindelig tidselkugle); Carthamus tinctorius (gul saflortidsel) 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 image by the artist catalogued as 35199_person depicts two distinct botanical subjects: Echinops sphaerocephalus, commonly known as the globe thistle, and Carthamus tinctorius, the safflower. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and is presented as a digital image rather than a traditional painted surface.

Subject & Meaning

The composition juxtaposes five upright plants, each rendered with meticulous detail. On the left, globe thistles display muted grayish heads atop spiny stems, while on the right, safflowers exhibit vivid orange‑red inflorescences with slender, linear leaves. The pairing highlights contrasting flower colors and forms, inviting comparison of their botanical characteristics.

Technique & Style

The artist emphasizes texture through careful rendering of leaf veins, stem ridges, and flower surfaces, achieving a realistic appearance despite the image format. A plain, light background isolates the specimens, allowing the contrasting hues—gray‑green versus orange‑red—to dominate the visual field without distraction.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the anonymous creator identified as 35199_person, the image dates to the mid‑17th century and has been retained within the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings. Its accession reflects the institution’s interest in documenting ethnobotanical subjects through visual media.