Artwork
Centaurea macrocephala
Centaurea macrocephala 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
Centaurea macrocephala is a 1928 photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt, featuring a close-up of a dried flower head. The image showcases a thick, rough stem and a densely packed, spiky floral structure in black and white.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a detailed representation of Centaurea macrocephala, highlighting its organic form. Blossfeldt's focus on botanical structures reflects his interest in natural growth patterns, influenced by his sculptural background and family heritage.
Technique & Style
The print utilizes photogravure, a refined technique involving etching images onto metal plates before printing. This process captures intricate botanical details, characteristic of Blossfeldt's precise and detailed plant studies.
History & Provenance
Created in 1928, Centaurea macrocephala was published the following year in Blossfeldt's *Urformen der Kunst*, a collection emphasizing the structural forms found in nature.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.
