Papaver orientale
1928
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1928
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This close-up shows a single flower with spiky, dark petals and a fuzzy center. The stem is thin and hairy, holding up the heavy head. The whole thing is in black and white, almost like a sketch. The artist used a camera to make this look like a detailed drawing. The texture of the petals and leaves is super clear, even though it’s just ink on paper. Next, check out technique: chiaroscuro—it’s how this photo plays with light and shadow to make things look 3D.
