Who painted Hypericum androsaemum (bær-perikon)?

Hypericum androsaemum (bær-perikon) was painted by Unknown in 1654.

Where can I see Hypericum androsaemum (bær-perikon)?

Hypericum androsaemum (bær-perikon) is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Hypericum androsaemum (bær-perikon)

Hypericum androsaemum (bær-perikon) 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 watercolor illustration depicts two specimens of Hypericum androsaemum, commonly known as berry St.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1654, this watercolor illustration depicts two specimens of Hypericum androsaemum, commonly known as berry St. John’s wort. Rendered on a neutral beige surface, the work presents the plants side by side, highlighting their contrasting reproductive structures: yellow blossoms on the left and dark berries on the right. The piece belongs to the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The image serves as a botanical study, emphasizing the morphological differences within a single species. By juxtaposing flowering and fruiting stages, the illustration conveys the plant’s life cycle and offers a visual reference for identification, reflecting the scientific interest in flora during the mid‑17th century.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the artist employs layered washes of green to model leaves and stems, creating a sense of volume and surface texture. Delicate brushwork renders the yellow petals and the deep‑hued berries with subtle tonal shifts, while the beige ground provides a muted backdrop that enhances the botanical details without distraction.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the anonymous creator catalogued as 35199_person, the work dates to circa 1654 and has been part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings. Its inclusion in the museum’s collection underscores the institution’s focus on ethnobotanical documentation and the preservation of early scientific illustration.