Artwork
a Sanguisorba canadensis; b Vincetoxicum fuscatum
a Sanguisorba canadensis; b Vincetoxicum fuscatum 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
a Sanguisorba canadensis; b Vincetoxicum fuscatum is a 1928 photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt, featuring detailed close-ups of two plant stems, highlighting their structural and textural characteristics.
Subject & Meaning
The print showcases two specific plant species, emphasizing their formal beauty, growth patterns, and unusual shapes, reflecting Blossfeldt's lifelong interest in the organic world.
Technique & Style
Employing photogravure, Blossfeldt achieved sharp lines and rough textures, characteristic of his style, which emphasized meticulous documentation of natural forms.
History & Provenance
Created in 1928, this work was later included in Blossfeldt's seminal publication Urformen der Kunst (1929), a comprehensive collection of his plant studies.
Context
Part of a broader early 20th-century artistic and scientific fascination with natural forms, Blossfeldt's work bridged photography, sculpture, and botanical study.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.
