Artwork

Cornus florida

Cornus florida, by Karl Blossfeldt, 1928
Cornus florida, by Karl Blossfeldt, 1928

Cornus florida 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

Cornus florida is a 1928 photogravure print by Karl Blossfeldt, a German photographer and sculptor known for capturing detailed, close-up images of plant structures.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a cluster of bare Cornus florida branches with budding tips, emphasizing the contrasting textures of rough, twisted lines and delicate growth.

Technique & Style

Blossfeldt employed photogravure, a technique yielding sharp, clear lines, to create a high-contrast black-and-white image reminiscent of a detailed sketch.

History & Provenance

Cornus florida was published in 1929 as part of Blossfeldt's collection Urformen der Kunst (Archetypes of Art), showcasing his nature-inspired, structurally focused plant photography.

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.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Cornus florida?

Cornus florida was painted by Karl Blossfeldt in 1928.

Where can I see Cornus florida?

Cornus florida is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of Cornus florida?

Museum-quality prints of Cornus florida are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.