Small Plant Study: a Burdock, Delicate Tufts of Grass at Left

Small Plant Study: a Burdock, Delicate Tufts of Grass at Left

Carl Wilhelm Kolbe

1827

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image shows a close-up of plants drawn in black and white. You can see detailed leaves, stems, and small flowers filling the whole picture. The lines are tight and precise, making each leaf look real. This is a study of a burdock plant with some grass in the corners. The artist focused on tiny details, like the texture of each leaf and the way light might hit them. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this made these sharp lines.

More by Carl Wilhelm Kolbe

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app