Aristolochia clematitis
Karl Blossfeldt
Description
Subject Matter:
This photograph displays a closeup view of a shoot of birthwort. Situated against a light backdrop, the plant extends diagonally from the bottom left of the frame up through the image’s center. The birthwort’s vitality can be felt in its robust appearance. Its leaves, covered with a webbing of dark veins, are clasped together in a bud-like huddle, ready to unfurl. In order to create this photograph, Blossfeldt used a handmade camera with a bellows that spanned a full meter, which allowed him to render the micro-textures of the this tiny form in fine detail. 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 botanical specimens.
Physical Description:
This photograph depicts a closeup view of a plant 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.