Who painted Paeonies (Paeonia officinalis)?

Paeonies (Paeonia officinalis) was painted by Johann Jakob Walther in 1660.

Where can I see Paeonies (Paeonia officinalis)?

Paeonies (Paeonia officinalis) is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Paeonies (Paeonia officinalis)?

Paeonies (Paeonia officinalis) is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Paeonies (Paeonia officinalis)?

Museum-quality prints of Paeonies (Paeonia officinalis) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Paeonies (Paeonia officinalis)

Johann Jakob Walther , 1660

Paeonies (Paeonia officinalis) is a watercolor work on paper by the Baroque artist Johann Jakob Walther. It dates from 1660 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Paeonies (Paeonia officinalis) is a watercolour floral piece from the 'Nassau Florilegium', a 17th-century manuscript compiled by Johann Jakob Walther, documenting the flora of the Count of Nassau's garden in Idstein.

Subject & Meaning

The work focuses on peonies, reflecting the 17th-century aristocratic trend of collecting and cultivating rare, beautiful flowers. As part of the florilegium, it catalogued the garden's ephemeral botanical collection.

Technique & Style

Characterized by a naive formalism, the piece depicts plants in a stiff, 'displayed' manner, mirroring the formal garden layouts of the time. This approach prioritizes composition over naturalism, typical of the period's florilegia.

History & Provenance

Created between 1650 and 1670, 'Paeonies' is part of the 'Nassau Florilegium's' two extant volumes (with 133 studies). Related versions exist in Paris (dated 1652-65) and a destroyed Darmstadt set.

Context

Emerging in the 17th century, florilegia like this served the wealthy's fascination with exotic flora, also influencing floral motifs in decorative arts. The piece aligns with Baroque-era artistic tendencies.