Who painted Yucca gloriosa (pragt-palmelilje)?

Yucca gloriosa (pragt-palmelilje) was painted by Unknown in 1654.

Where can I see Yucca gloriosa (pragt-palmelilje)?

Yucca gloriosa (pragt-palmelilje) is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Yucca gloriosa (pragt-palmelilje)

Yucca gloriosa (pragt-palmelilje) is an unspecified work on paper by Unknown. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Yucca gloriosa, also known as the pragt-palmelilje, is a botanical illustration attributed to the artist catalogued as 35199_person.

About this work

Overview

Yucca gloriosa, also known as the pragt-palmelilje, is a botanical illustration attributed to the artist catalogued as 35199_person. Executed around 1654, the work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The image presents a solitary yucca plant rendered against a light, unadorned background, emphasizing the form of the foliage and inflorescence.

Subject & Meaning

The picture records a single Yucca gloriosa specimen, displaying its characteristic long, pointed leaves that radiate from the base. Rising above the foliage, a slender stalk bears clusters of small, waxy blossoms in shades of white and pale green. The focus on the plant’s anatomy reflects the scientific interest in accurate natural representation during the period.

Technique & Style

Executed in a meticulous manner, the illustration captures fine details such as the minute hairs on the flower buds. The artist employed layered washes to model form and convey subtle tonal variations, a method typical of 17th‑century botanical studies. The restrained palette and plain background serve to isolate the subject and enhance visual clarity.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1654, the work entered the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains accessible for study. Its attribution to 35199_person derives from museum records, linking the piece to a broader corpus of early modern natural history illustration.