Hibiscus syriacus (syrisk rose)

Executed with meticulous attention to detail, the artist renders each petal and leaf with a realistic texture, employing subtle gradations of color that avoid harsh outlines. The palette balances bright yet gentle hues, creating a sense of softness that enhances the three‑dimensional illusion of the blossoms on a flat surface.

Attributed to the artist identified as 35199_person, the piece dates to the mid‑17th century and is currently part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Its inclusion in the museum’s holdings reflects the institution’s interest in botanical illustration and the documentation of plant forms during that period.

During the 1650s, botanical illustration was a growing field, serving both scientific and aesthetic purposes. Works such as this one illustrate the period’s fascination with cataloguing flora, often employing a restrained compositional approach that foregrounds the subject’s anatomical accuracy over decorative background elements.