Artwork
Asclepias syriaca
Asclepias syriaca 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
Asclepias syriaca is a 1928 photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt, a German photographer and sculptor.
Subject & Meaning
The print is a close-up image of a flower viewed from behind, showcasing its curled petals, fuzzy center, and thin stem with small leaves. It exemplifies Blossfeldt's focus on the structural forms and intricate patterns found in nature.
Technique & Style
As a photogravure, the image was created by etching a photograph into metal, allowing for detailed rendering of the flower's shape and texture.
History & Provenance
Asclepias syriaca was published in Blossfeldt's 1929 collection, Urformen der Kunst, which featured his meticulous photographs of plants and reflected his lifelong interest in plant growth.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.
