Who painted Primula ×pubescens (have-aurikel)?

Primula ×pubescens (have-aurikel) was painted by Unknown in 1654.

Where can I see Primula ×pubescens (have-aurikel)?

Primula ×pubescens (have-aurikel) is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Primula ×pubescens (have-aurikel)

Primula ×pubescens (have-aurikel) is an unspecified work on paper by Unknown. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Primula ×pubesc pubescens, also known as have‑aurikel, is an image dating from around 1654.

About this work

Overview

Primula ×pubesc pubescens, also known as have‑aurikel, is an image dating from around 1654. The work is attributed to the artist catalogued as 35199_person and is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. It presents a compact arrangement of seven stylised flowers set against an unadorned background, allowing the vivid hues to dominate the visual field.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a single species of primrose rendered in a palette of deep red, bright yellow, and rich purple. Each blossom displays five petals surrounding a yellow disc, while the surrounding foliage is rendered in simple green leaves. By varying the colour of otherwise identical forms, the image suggests the natural diversity of the plant’s possible appearances.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the image exploits the medium’s capacity for translucent washes and gentle colour transitions. The artist applies thin layers that merge softly, giving the petals a delicate, luminous quality. The minimal background and restrained line work focus attention on the botanical details, reflecting a scientific illustration approach common in the mid‑seventeenth century.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1654, the piece has remained within institutional holdings and is now displayed by the Museum of Ethnography. Its attribution to 35199_person derives from museum records, and the work has been catalogued as an example of early botanical illustration, illustrating the period’s interest in documenting plant varieties through visual means.