Artwork

Iris ×germanica (have-iris); Iris xiphium (spansk iris)

Iris ×germanica (have-iris); Iris xiphium (spansk iris), by Unknown, unspecified, 1654
Iris ×germanica (have-iris); Iris xiphium (spansk iris), by Unknown, unspecified, 1654

Iris ×germanica (have-iris); Iris xiphium (spansk 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.

About this work

Overview

Iris ×germanica (have-iris) and Iris xiphium (spansk iris) is a botanical artwork from circa 1654, currently housed at the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The piece depicts two distinct iris species: one tall with drooping, bright purple petals and the other upright with bold, yellow stripes, accompanied by thin green leaves and a visible bulb, emphasizing botanical accuracy.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the artwork showcases meticulous attention to detail, including the intricate veins on the petals, characteristic of the precise style often found in historical botanical illustrations.

History & Provenance

Created around 1654 by 35199_person, the work is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography, though specific details about its creation context or previous ownership are not provided.

Context

The artwork reflects the 17th-century interest in botanical documentation, likely intended for a botanical or horticultural reference, given its detailed and realistic portrayal of the iris species.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known