This artwork, titled “Iris,” was created by Albrecht Dürer around the year 1503, during the Northern Renaissance period. It is a flower painting executed with pen and ink, showcasing Dürer’s remarkable precision and attention to detail. The piece is part of the collection at the Kunsthalle Bremen in Bremen, Germany.
In the artwork itself, the iris is depicted with botanical accuracy, portraying the grace and beauty of its natural form. The tall, slender stem bears a couple of fully bloomed flowers, with each petal intricately detailed, alongside several buds that are yet to open. The leaves are long and pointed, with visible veins and a sense of vitality that suggests they could sway with a real breeze. The artist has employed a delicate play of light and shadow to give the plant depth and realism. The meticulous lines and the controlled application of ink speak to Dürer’s mastery of the medium and ability to convey the subtle textures of the plant. The artwork is a testament to the interest in the natural world during the Renaissance and Dürer’s keen observational skills.