Artwork
Tellima grandiflora
Tellima grandiflora 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
Tellima grandiflora is a 1928 photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt, featuring a close-up of a single flower with thick, waxy petals, a densely packed center of tiny buds, and sharply curved petal edges against a plain dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject emphasizes structural forms in nature, reflecting Blossfeldt's focus on the intersection of art and natural design through meticulous plant studies.
Technique & Style
Employing photogravure, Blossfeldt utilized strong chiaroscuro effects, leveraging light and shadow to accentuate the flower's texture and achieve a three-dimensional appearance.
History & Provenance
Published in 1929 in Blossfeldt's *Urformen der Kunst*, the work is part of a renowned series highlighting the sculptural qualities of flora.
Context
Created during Blossfeldt's exploration of organic growth's aesthetic potential, the piece reflects his background in both photography and sculpture.
Legacy
As part of Blossfeldt's influential body of work, *Tellima grandiflora* contributes to a broader appreciation of nature's formal beauty and its influence on artistic composition.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.
