Who painted Primula ×pubescens Wulfen (have-aurikel)?

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

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

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

Artwork

Primula ×pubescens Wulfen (have-aurikel)

Primula ×pubescens Wulfen (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 × pubescens Wulfen, commonly known as have‑aurikel, is a botanical illustration dating to around 1654.

About this work

Overview

Primula × pubescens Wulfen, commonly known as have‑aurikel, is a botanical illustration dating to around 1654. The work, attributed to the artist identified as 35199_person, is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Rendered as an image, it presents a compact study of five individual plants, arranged in two rows, each rendered with meticulous attention to form and colour.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration depicts five small specimens of Primula × pubescens, each showing the characteristic foliage, roots, and blossoms.

The illustration depicts five small specimens of Primula × pubescens, each showing the characteristic foliage, roots, and blossoms. The flowers appear in three hues—yellow, purple and white—offering a comparative view of the species’ variation. By isolating the plants against a neutral background, the image emphasizes their morphological details, serving both as a visual record and a tool for botanical identification.

Technique & Style

Executed with fine line work and subtle shading, the drawing highlights the delicate structure of petals, stems and leaves. The artist’s focus on minute details suggests a scientific approach typical of 17th‑century natural history illustration, where accuracy superseded decorative intent. The composition balances realism with a clear, orderly layout, allowing each specimen to be examined individually.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1654, the work has remained within institutional holdings, eventually entering the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. While the creator is recorded only by a catalog reference (35199_person), the piece reflects the period’s growing interest in cataloguing flora for both scholarly and educational purposes, linking it to early modern ethnobotanical studies.