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Struthiopteris germanica

Karl Blossfeldt

Artwork Details

Struthiopteris germanica
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
2014/2.7

Description

Subject Matter:

This photograph displays a closeup view of a young fern plant on the cusp of unfurling its leaves.  Situated in the center of the frame against a light background, the texture of the plant is depicted in crisp detail, its fronds spiraled inwards. Positioned in front of a powerful magnifying lens, this fern’s head was enlarged eight times its size, rendering its sinuous, graceful qualities in sharp clarity. 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 young fern positioned against a light, blank background.  

Usage Rights:

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