Artwork
Eranthis cilicica
Eranthis cilicica 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
Eranthis cilicica is a 1928 photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt, a German photographer and sculptor. The work features a tightly closed single flower bud, captured in meticulous detail.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a botanical specimen, specifically an Eranthis cilicica flower bud, portrayed in a state of pre-bloom intimacy. Blossfeldt's emphasis on structural forms and growth patterns reflects his fascination with the natural world, inherited from his father.
Technique & Style
Executed as a photogravure, the print boasts sharp lines and pronounced textures, characteristic of the medium. The image highlights Blossfeldt's signature close-up approach, with soft glow on the petal edges from controlled lighting.
History & Provenance
Created in 1928, Eranthis cilicica was included in Blossfeldt's 1929 publication Urformen der Kunst, a collection of plant photographs showcasing his artistic vision.
Context
Part of a broader body of work where Blossfeldt explored the intersection of photography and botanical study, Eranthis cilicica exemplifies the early 20th-century interest in the detailed, aesthetic representation of natural forms.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.
