Artwork

Hermodactylus tuberosus (hermesfinger); Iris pumila (lav iris) eller Iris lutescens (dværg-iris)

Hermodactylus tuberosus (hermesfinger); Iris pumila (lav iris) eller Iris lutescens (dværg-iris) is an unspecified work on paper by Unknown. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1654, this botanical illustration by the artist catalogued as 35199_person is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1654, this botanical illustration by the artist catalogued as 35199_person is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. Rendered as an image, it presents a meticulous study of five iris specimens, each depicted with its stem, foliage, flower and underground bulb.

Subject & Meaning

The work focuses on five distinct irises—Hermodactylus tuberosus, Iris pumila, and Iris lutescens—showcasing variations in colour and form. Dark‑purple blossoms sit beside white flowers with yellow throats and a vivid yellow bloom, highlighting the diversity within the genus and serving as a visual reference for identification.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the artist builds colour through transparent washes, allowing the pigments to glow against a light background. Fine brushwork renders the delicate hairs on the bulbs and the precise folding of each petal, while the linear rendering of stems and leaves conveys a scientific clarity.

History & Provenance

The illustration dates to the mid‑17th century, a period when botanical art supported emerging scientific inquiry. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains an example of early modern plant documentation.

Context

During the 1650s, European scholars increasingly relied on detailed visual records to accompany textual descriptions of flora. This image reflects that tradition, merging artistic skill with the observational rigor demanded by naturalists of the era.