Artwork
Bryonia alba
Bryonia alba 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
The artist used a printing method that captures fine details, almost like an old photograph.
This close-up shows a single leaf with sharp, jagged edges and a thick stem curling upward. The leaf’s veins are clearly visible, and its surface looks textured, almost like bark. The background is plain and light, making the leaf stand out.
The artist used a printing method that captures fine details, almost like an old photograph. This was made in 1928, but it looks like it could be a study of nature itself.
Next, check out Blossfeldt, Karl to see more of his plant-focused work.
Overview
Bryonia alba is a 1928 photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt, a German photographer and sculptor, showcasing a detailed, close-up study of a single plant leaf.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on the structural and textural aspects of a Bryonia alba leaf, emphasizing its intricate vein pattern, jagged edges, and textured surface, highlighting nature’s organic forms.
Technique & Style
Executed using photogravure, a method renowned for capturing fine details, the print features a plain, light background that accentuates the leaf’s sharp, curling stem and textured, bark-like surface.
History & Provenance
Created in 1928, Bryonia alba was published the following year in Blossfeldt’s *Urformen der Kunst*, a collection showcasing his meticulous botanical studies inspired by his father’s botanical interests.
Context
Part of a larger body of work exploring organic structures through precise photography, Bryonia alba reflects Blossfeldt’s unique approach to documenting plant life, influenced by his familial background in botany.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of *Bryonia alba* are not provided, Blossfeldt’s overall body of work, including this piece, is notable for its detailed, artistic documentation of plant morphology, continuing to inspire interest in botanical photography.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.
