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Achillea umbellata

Karl Blossfeldt

Artwork Details

Achillea umbellata
1928
Karl Blossfeldt
rotogravure on paper
9 5/16 in x 12 1/8 in (23.65 cm x 30.8 cm)
Gift of Eeta Gershow
2014/2.6

Description

Subject Matter:

This photograph displays a closeup view of a plant’s leaves. Paddle-like and symmetrical, the leaves that extend out from the main stem are covered in a fine mass of fibrous material, lending the plant a furry appearance. The leaves are splayed throughout the center of the photograph and positioned against a light background. Using a handmade camera with a powerful magnifying lens, Blossfeldt was able to enlarge this tiny form thirty times over, creating a photograph that revealed in sumptuous clarity the plant's intricacy. Printed in matte, green-black tones, this image originally appeared in the books, Urformen der Kunst  (1928) and Art Forms in Nature (1929), and accompanied other closeup views of plants and flowers. 

Physical Description:

This photograph depicts a closeup view of a plant leaf against a light background.  

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.