Artwork
Petasites officinalis
Petasites officinalis 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
Created in 1928, this photogravure presents a close‑up of a single Petasites officinalis cone. The composition isolates the plant’s tightly packed, rounded scales and a slender, textured stem, rendered solely in gray tones. The image emphasizes the intricate form of the botanical specimen without any use of color.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on the structural details of the plant’s reproductive organ, highlighting the natural geometry and repetitive patterns of the scales. By isolating these elements, the image invites contemplation of organic growth and the hidden complexity within a seemingly modest flora.
Technique & Style
Blossfeldt employed photogravure, a printing process that captures fine gradations of light and shadow, producing a chiaroscuro effect reminiscent of a precise sketch. The method yields smooth tonal transitions that delineate the plant’s surface texture while maintaining sharp definition of its intricate parts.
History & Provenance
The photograph was included in the 1929 volume *Urformen der Kunst*, a collection showcasing Blossfeldt’s plant studies. It now resides in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, where it forms part of the museum’s holdings of early 20th‑century photographic works.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.
