a Cirsium canum; b Phlomis umbrosa; c salvia

a Cirsium canum; b Phlomis umbrosa; c salvia

Karl Blossfeldt

1928

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This is a close-up of three different plants, each shown in sharp detail. The top image shows a spiky flower with petals that look like starbursts. The middle one features a large, rounded leaf with a smooth stem. The bottom picture displays a cluster of small buds and a single open flower with soft, furry edges. The artist used a method that makes shadows and light stand out strongly, almost like a sketch. This style highlights the textures of the plants. Look up technique: chiaroscuro to learn more about how light and shadow create depth.

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