Artwork
a Equisetum hiemale; b Rhamnus Purshiana; c Equisetum hiemale
a Equisetum hiemale; b Rhamnus Purshiana; c Equisetum hiemale is a print by Karl Blossfeldt. It dates from 1928 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1928 photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt presents a detailed, black-and-white depiction of plant structures, specifically *Equisetum hiemale* and *Rhamnus Purshiana*, showcasing the artist's focus on botanical forms.
Subject & Meaning
The work highlights the formal beauty and structural details of plant life, reflecting Blossfeldt's interest in documenting nature's intrinsic designs, influenced by his familial background.
Technique & Style
Employing photogravure, Blossfeldt achieves remarkable detail, with the image divided into three sections to emphasize different aspects of the plants' anatomy: stem tip, leaf structure, and stem base.
History & Provenance
Created in 1928, the print was published in 1929 within *Urformen der Kunst* (Archetypes of Art), a collection showcasing Blossfeldt's meticulous plant photography.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.
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