Artwork
Poltstichum munitum
Poltstichum munitum 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
Poltstichum munitum is a 1928 photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt, a German photographer and sculptor. It is a detailed black-and-white image of a fern, showcasing the plant's intricate structure.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a fern with leaves fanning out from a central stem, their edges curled. The image highlights the natural world's intricate patterns and textures, reflecting Blossfeldt's interest in the structural growth of plants.
Technique & Style
Created using photogravure, a printmaking process based on photography, Poltstichum munitum captures the fern's texture and detail. Blossfeldt's work is characterized by meticulous close-ups of natural forms, often with a scientific tone, as suggested by the title's botanical style.
History & Provenance
The print was published in Blossfeldt's 1929 collection, Urformen der Kunst. It is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.
