Who painted Lilium pomponium (pompon-lilje)?

Lilium pomponium (pompon-lilje) was painted by Unknown in 1650.

Where can I see Lilium pomponium (pompon-lilje)?

Lilium pomponium (pompon-lilje) is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Lilium pomponium (pompon-lilje)

Lilium pomponium (pompon-lilje) is an unspecified work on paper by Unknown. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1650, this watercolor illustration portrays the pompon lily (Lilium pomponium).

About this work

Overview

Created around 1650, this watercolor illustration portrays the pompon lily (Lilium pomponium). Executed on paper, the work is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. The image presents a single stem bearing three vividly colored blossoms, set against a muted beige ground that accentuates the plant’s natural hues.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on the botanical characteristics of Lilium pomponium, a species noted for its curved, orange‑red flowers with yellow throats. The fan‑shaped arrangement of slender green leaves at the base underscores the plant’s growth habit, offering a clear visual reference for study or identification.

Technique & Style

Rendered in watercolor, the illustration combines precise line work with delicate washes, allowing the pigment to convey both the translucency of the petals and the texture of the foliage. Visible brushstrokes and subtle shading give the image a realistic yet slightly tactile quality, typical of 17th‑century scientific drawing.

History & Provenance

Attributed to an anonymous artist identified only by a catalogue number, the piece dates to the mid‑17th century, a period when botanical illustration served both artistic and scholarly purposes. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through a later acquisition, where it remains as a representative example of early modern plant documentation.