Who painted Pancratium Illyricum (småblomstret strandlilje)?

Pancratium Illyricum (småblomstret strandlilje) was painted by Unknown in 1654.

Where can I see Pancratium Illyricum (småblomstret strandlilje)?

Pancratium Illyricum (småblomstret strandlilje) is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Pancratium Illyricum (småblomstret strandlilje)

Pancratium Illyricum (småblomstret strandlilje) is an unspecified work on paper by Unknown. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Pancratium Illyricum, also known as the small‑flowered sea lily, is a solitary botanical illustration rendered in watercolor.

About this work

Overview

Executed around 1654, the image depicts a lone bloom with six white petals tipped in pale green, a vivid yellow throat, and two slender, drooping leaves.

Pancratium Illyricum, also known as the small‑flowered sea lily, is a solitary botanical illustration rendered in watercolor. Executed around 1654, the image depicts a lone bloom with six white petals tipped in pale green, a vivid yellow throat, and two slender, drooping leaves. The composition rests on a muted, almost paper‑like background, giving the impression of a page from an early natural history volume.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a close study of the Pancratium Illyricum, a Mediterranean flowering plant, emphasizing its fragile structure and subtle coloration. By isolating the flower from any surrounding context, the artist invites viewers to consider the plant’s form and anatomy, reflecting the 17th‑century scientific interest in cataloguing nature with precision.

Technique & Style

Executed with watercolor on paper, the illustration showcases fine brushwork that captures the translucency of the petals and the delicate venation within them. The limited palette—whites, soft greens, and a bright central yellow—creates a restrained yet vivid representation, characteristic of early botanical art that balances scientific accuracy with aesthetic clarity.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the artist catalogued as 35199_person, the piece dates to circa 1654 and is currently part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The illustration appears to have originated as a page from a historic natural‑history manuscript, evidenced by the faded edges and a marginal numbering mark typical of early printed folios.