Artwork
A Stalk of Lilies with Six Blooms
A Stalk of Lilies with Six Blooms is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist Philipp Otto Runge. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Stalk of Lilies with Six Blooms is a drawing created by Philipp Otto Runge in 1808. It is executed in pen and black ink over graphite on very light green laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a single lily stalk with six buds, rendered in careful detail. The precise representation of the flowers, stems, and leaves suggests a study of natural forms, characteristic of Runge's engagement with the natural world.
Technique & Style
Runge employed fine lines and subtle cross-hatching to convey texture and depth in the drawing. The visible graphite underdrawing and slight smudging of the ink indicate a rapid study rather than a finished work.
Context
As a key figure in the German Romantic movement, Runge's work reflects his intellectual interests and artistic innovations. His detailed draftsmanship and exploration of natural forms were influential within the movement.
Artist & collection
Artist
Philipp Otto Runge (German: ; 1777–1810) was a German artist, draftsman, painter, and color theorist.
