Artwork

Lupinus pilosus (blå lupin); Lupinus luteus (gul lupin); Lupinus angustifolius (smalbladet lupin); Lupinus albus (hvid lupin)

Lupinus pilosus (blå lupin); Lupinus luteus (gul lupin); Lupinus angustifolius (smalbladet lupin); Lupinus albus (hvid lupin) 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

The image, attributed to the anonymous creator catalogued as 35199_person and dated to around 1654, presents a comparative study of four lupine species. Arranged side by side, each specimen is rendered with attention to botanical form, allowing viewers to observe differences in foliage and flower coloration.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts Lupinus pilosus, Lupinus luteus, Lupinus angustifolius, and Lupinus albus, commonly known as blue, yellow, narrow‑leaf, and white lupins. By placing the plants together, the image functions as a visual key for distinguishing species, highlighting variations in leaf shape, stem height, and flower hue.

Technique & Style

Executed in a medium that reproduces the appearance of watercolor, the illustration employs delicate washes and fine line work. Soft, naturalistic tones model the petals and leaves, while subtle shading suggests the direction of light, creating a sense of three‑dimensional form without overt dramatization.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑17th century, the piece entered the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings. Its attribution to an unnamed artist reflects the common practice of anonymous botanical illustration in early modern Europe.

Context

During the 1600s, botanical illustration served both scientific and educational purposes, often accompanying herbals or academic texts. This comparative format aligns with contemporary efforts to catalogue plant diversity for medicinal, agricultural, and horticultural knowledge.