Artwork

Aesculus parviflora

Aesculus parviflora, by Karl Blossfeldt, 1928
Aesculus parviflora, by Karl Blossfeldt, 1928

Aesculus parviflora 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

Aesculus parviflora is a 1928 photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt, a German photographer and sculptor. It is part of a larger body of work featuring magnified botanical details.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts three plants with thick, segmented stems and spiky upper sections. The stems feature simple, human-like facial carvings, giving the plants expressive appearances. Blossfeldt's work highlights the structural similarities between plant forms and artistic design.

Technique & Style

Aesculus parviflora is a photogravure, a type of intaglio printmaking process. The black-and-white image is characterized by its high level of detail, achieved through Blossfeldt's use of magnification and precise photographic techniques.

History & Provenance

The print was created in 1928 as part of Blossfeldt's ongoing study of plant forms, which was later compiled into his 1929 publication Urformen der Kunst.

a Stachis grandiflora; b Nicotiana rustica
a Stachis grandiflora; b Nicotiana rustica, Karl Blossfeldt

Artist & collection

Portrait of Karl Blossfeldt

Artist

Karl Blossfeldt

Karl Blossfeldt (13 June 1865 – 9 December 1932) was a German photographer and sculptor.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Aesculus parviflora?

Aesculus parviflora was painted by Karl Blossfeldt in 1928.

Where can I see Aesculus parviflora?

Aesculus parviflora is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of Aesculus parviflora?

Museum-quality prints of Aesculus parviflora are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.