Artwork

a u. c Thujopsis dolabrata; b Solanum tuberosum

a u. c Thujopsis dolabrata; b Solanum tuberosum, by Karl Blossfeldt, 1928
a u. c Thujopsis dolabrata; b Solanum tuberosum, by Karl Blossfeldt, 1928

a u. c Thujopsis dolabrata; b Solanum tuberosum is a print by Karl Blossfeldt. It dates from 1928 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. 'a u.

About this work

Overview

'a u. c Thujopsis dolabrata; b Solanum tuberosum' is a black-and-white photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt, a German photographer and sculptor.

Subject & Meaning

The print presents close-up views of three plants: Thujopsis dolabrata leaves, Solanum tuberosum flowers, and another leafy specimen. Blossfeldt's work highlights the structural similarities between natural forms and artistic design.

Technique & Style

The image was created using photogravure, a process that translates photographs into etched plates for printing, resulting in sharp, detailed renderings of the plants.

History & Provenance

The print was made in 1928 and is part of Blossfeldt's broader study of natural forms, later compiled in his 1929 publication 'Urformen der Kunst'.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Karl Blossfeldt

Artist

Karl Blossfeldt

Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.