Artwork

Polianthes tuberosa (tuberose); Amaryllis belladonna (belladonnalilje)

Polianthes tuberosa (tuberose); Amaryllis belladonna (belladonnalilje) 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 piece, attributed to the artist identified as 35199_person and dated to around 1654, presents a pair of contrasting blossoms rendered in a delicate, light-toned setting. The work is catalogued as an image and is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

On the left, a white flower with star‑shaped petals rises on a slender stem, accompanied by tiny buds that suggest ongoing growth. To its right, a pink bloom with six broad petals emerges from a darker, thicker stalk, offering a visual counterpoint that highlights variations in form and colour within the botanical genre.

Technique & Style

Executed with watercolor, the artist employs subtle washes and precise line work to convey texture and depth. The soft palette and careful modulation of tone create a realistic impression of the flowers, while the plain, light background isolates the subjects, emphasizing their delicate structures and the translucency characteristic of the medium.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑17th century, the image has remained within the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography. Its attribution to 35199_person reflects cataloguing conventions rather than a known personal name, and the work continues to serve as an example of period botanical illustration.