Artwork
Primula Auricula
Primula Auricula is a watercolor work on paper by Johann Knapp. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Primula Auricula is a watercolour painting depicting a primula auricula plant.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a primula auricula with broad, wavy leaves and small pale yellow flowers with green centers. The botanical accuracy suggests the work is intended to document the plant's appearance.
Technique & Style
The artist used watercolour to achieve delicate, naturalistic colours. Fine details, such as tiny hairs on the leaves and the play of light on petals, are carefully rendered.
Context
As a botanical drawing, Primula Auricula is part of a tradition of detailed plant illustrations, often used for scientific documentation.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Knapp drew plants so precisely you’d swear they’re still alive on the page. The man spent hours in gardens, ink in hand, tracing every vein on a leaf like he was solving a puzzle. His watercolors of Pitcairnia…
Geranium phaeum (bølgekronet storkenæb); Geranium versicolor (net-storkenæb)
White hibiscus (hibiscus syriacus), mu jin
Three double daisies
A Collection of Flowers Drawn from Nature: Large Double China Aster
Fragrant plantain lily (hosta plantaginea), yu zan
Brassica napus (raps); Iberis amara (bitter sløjfeblomst)
Wild chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum indicum)
Geranium
Primula ×pubescens Wulfen (have-aurikel)