Artwork

Malva moschata (moskus-katost); Malva eller Malope (art af katost eller malope)

Malva moschata (moskus-katost); Malva eller Malope (art af katost eller malope) 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 image is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1654 by the artist identified as 35199_person, this image is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. It presents a botanical illustration that isolates three distinct plant specimens against an unadorned background, emphasizing their individual forms and hues.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts three separate species of flowering plants. On the left a tall, white‑blooming specimen with delicate, feathery stems rises; the central figure is a smaller plant bearing soft pink blossoms and rounded green foliage; to the right a slender stem supports a cluster of pale pink flowers. The composition highlights the diversity of form within a single visual field.

Technique & Style

Rendered with meticulous attention to botanical detail, the illustration employs fine line work and subtle shading to convey texture and volume. The plain backdrop removes contextual distraction, allowing the viewer to focus on the precise rendering of leaves, stems, and petals, which approach a near‑realistic fidelity.

History & Provenance

The image entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings after its creation in the mid‑17th century, though the exact path of acquisition is not recorded. Its attribution to 35199_person reflects cataloguing conventions used by the institution.