Artwork

Jasminum officinale (læge-jasmin)

Jasminum officinale (læge-jasmin), by Unknown, unspecified, 1654
Jasminum officinale (læge-jasmin), by Unknown, unspecified, 1654

Jasminum officinale (læge-jasmin) 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 by the artist identified as 35199_person, this botanical illustration is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1654 by the artist identified as 35199_person, this botanical illustration is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. The work depicts two slender, upright plants rendered with meticulous attention to leaf shape and flower formation, set against a uniform pale‑yellow ground that isolates the subjects for clear observation.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a pair of Jasminum officinale specimens, commonly known as garden jasmine. One stem bears clusters of small, light‑purple blossoms, while the companion stem displays minute white flowers. The juxtaposition of the two color variants highlights the species’ floral diversity and serves as a visual reference for identification.

Technique & Style

Executed in a delicate medium, the artist employs fine brushwork to convey the thin, elongated foliage and the subtle gradations of green, yellow, and pastel purple. Layered washes create a soft, translucent quality, allowing the intricate details of each leaf and bud to emerge without harsh outlines.

History & Provenance

The illustration dates to the mid‑17th century, a period when botanical documentation was expanding across Europe. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through acquisition of historical scientific artworks, preserving an example of early modern plant illustration practice.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known