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Gentiana acaulis (stængelløs ensian); Gentiana verna (vår-ensian); Gentiana acaulis (stængelløs ensian); Gentiana (art af ensian)

Unknown

1654

unspecified

From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst

Floral

Dominant colour

Gentiana acaulis (stængelløs ensian); Gentiana verna (vår-ensian); Gentiana acaulis (stængelløs ensian); Gentiana (art af ensian) is a 1654 unspecified by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1654
Where can I see it?: Statens Museum for Kunst

About this work

This painting shows seven different blue and purple flowers with green leaves, all drawn carefully on a light background. Each plant has roots visible at the bottom, and the petals range from deep blue to soft lavender. The brushstrokes are smooth, and the colors look mixed with water to create soft edges. These flowers were likely studied for science or medicine—each one is labeled in a way that suggests they’re part of a plant guide. The artist focused on details like root shape and leaf texture, which were important for identifying plants back then. If you like this style, look up watercolor to see how artists use layers of thin paint to build up colors.