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Taraxacum officinalis

Karl Blossfeldt

Artwork Details

Taraxacum officinalis
1928
Karl Blossfeldt
rotogravure on paper
12 3/16 x 9 9/16 in. (30.96 x 24.29 cm);10 1/16 x 7 1/16 in. (25.56 x 17.94 cm)
Gift of Eeta Gershow
2014/2.11

Description

Subject Matter:

This photograph depicts a closeup view of a dandelion flower’s head. On the cusp of blooming, the flower’s vitality can be felt within the tightly closed bud at the top of the plant. The flower’s bracts — the limply hanging leaves that form around the base of the stem — droop downwards.  Positioned against a light grey background, the photograph’s view has a scientific, empirical feel.  Blossfeldt’s use of a powerful magnifying lens allowed him to render the delicate textures of this flower bud in sumptuous 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 flower bud against a light background.  

Usage Rights:

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