Artwork

Gentiana pneumonanthe (klokke-ensian); Campanula patula (eng-klokke); Campanula rapunculoides (ensidig klokke)

Gentiana pneumonanthe (klokke-ensian); Campanula patula (eng-klokke); Campanula rapunculoides (ensidig klokke) 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 watercolor illustration depicts three separate flowering plants—Gentiana pneumonanthe, Campanula patula, and Campanula rapunculoides.

Created around 1654, this watercolor illustration depicts three separate flowering plants—Gentiana pneumonanthe, Campanula patula, and Campanula rapunculoides. Each specimen is rendered with attention to both aerial parts and underground structures, offering a comparative view of their morphology. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and is attributed to the artist recorded as 35199_person.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a side‑by‑side study of three bell‑shaped species. The Gentiana on the left displays blue blossoms, the Campanula patula in the centre bears white flowers, and the Campanula rapunculoides on the right shows purple blooms. By juxtaposing the plants, the illustration emphasizes botanical diversity within the Campanulaceae family and related genera.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the piece relies on transparent washes to convey delicate petal hues and the contrasting tones of the roots. Fine brushwork delineates the intricate leaf venation and root textures, while the limited palette highlights the natural coloration of each organ. The medium’s softness reinforces the scientific, observational intent of the drawing.

History & Provenance

The work dates to the mid‑17th century, a period when botanical illustration served both scholarly and exploratory purposes. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains catalogued under the artist’s identifier 35199_person. The museum’s collection context suggests the piece was valued for its ethnobotanical relevance as well as its artistic merit.