Artwork

Narcissus poeticus (pinselilje)

Narcissus poeticus (pinselilje), by Unknown, unspecified, 1650
Narcissus poeticus (pinselilje), by Unknown, unspecified, 1650

Narcissus poeticus (pinselilje) 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 by the artist identified as 35199_person, this watercolor depicts a pair of Narcissus poeticus blossoms.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1650 by the artist identified as 35199_person, this watercolor depicts a pair of Narcissus poeticus blossoms. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and presents the flowers against a simple, light background that emphasizes their form.

Subject & Meaning

The image focuses on two white narcissus flowers, each with a vivid yellow corona. Their slender green stems and elongated, narrow leaves frame the blossoms, highlighting the plant’s characteristic elegance and the symbolic associations of purity and renewal often linked to the species.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the artist renders the petals with gentle gradations of tone, giving the blossoms a subtle three‑dimensional quality. Fine brushwork captures the slightly ruffled edges of the petals and the delicate translucency of the stems, while the minimal background reinforces the clarity of the floral study.

History & Provenance

The piece dates to the mid‑17th century and has been retained within the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings. Its attribution to 35199_person reflects the cataloguing system used by the institution, and the work has remained in the museum’s collection since its acquisition, serving as an example of period botanical illustration.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known