Who painted Lilium pyrenaicum (pyrenæisk lilje)?

Lilium pyrenaicum (pyrenæisk lilje) was painted by Unknown in 1650.

Where can I see Lilium pyrenaicum (pyrenæisk lilje)?

Lilium pyrenaicum (pyrenæisk lilje) is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Lilium pyrenaicum (pyrenæisk lilje)

Lilium pyrenaicum (pyrenæisk 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. Lilium pyrenaicum, known as the Pyrenean lily, is a botanical illustration dating from around 1650.

About this work

Overview

Lilium pyrenaicum, known as the Pyrenean lily, is a botanical illustration dating from around 1650. Executed by the artist recorded as 35199_person, the work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. It is presented as a single image that records the plant with meticulous attention to form.

Subject & Meaning

The picture depicts a solitary lily stalk rising vertically, capped by three vivid yellow blossoms. Narrow, elongated leaves are arranged in a regular sequence along the stem, emphasizing the plant’s natural symmetry. The plain background isolates the specimen, directing the viewer’s focus to the flower’s delicate coloration and structure.

Technique & Style

Rendered with fine, controlled lines, the illustration captures each petal and leaf with precision. The subtle gradations of yellow give the blossoms a soft, luminous quality against the light surface, suggesting a watercolor-like layering despite the medium being recorded simply as an image.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑17th century, the work has been preserved within the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography. Its attribution to 35199_person reflects cataloguing conventions rather than a widely recognized name, indicating the piece likely originated from a scientific or educational context of its time.

Context

Botanical illustrations of this period served both artistic and scholarly purposes, documenting plant species for study and classification. The Pyrenean lily, native to mountainous regions of the Pyrenees, would have been of interest to naturalists seeking to catalogue alpine flora.