Artwork
Eryngium giganteum
Eryngium giganteum 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
Eryngium giganteum is a 1928 photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt, a German photographer and sculptor. It is a close-up image of a thistle-like flower, showcasing the artist's focus on the structural forms of plant growth.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a single flower with sharp, spiky petals radiating outward in a star shape. The contrast between the dark, fuzzy center and the lighter gray edges highlights the flower's texture, reflecting Blossfeldt's fascination with nature.
Technique & Style
Using light and shadow, Blossfeldt achieved a detailed representation of the flower's texture without the use of color. The image features deep blacks and soft grays, characteristic of photogravure.
History & Provenance
Eryngium giganteum was published in Blossfeldt's 1929 collection, Urformen der Kunst. The print is now held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.
