A Hollyhock

Herman Saftleven the Younger

September 21, 1682

Transparent and opaque watercolor over black chalk, framing lines in black chalk, Watercolor, Chalk

J. Paul Getty Museum

A detailed watercolor study of a hollyhock plant, featuring a large, fully bloomed pink flower and several buds, leaves, and seed pods. The composition is dominated by the plant's stem and foliage, rendered with delicate detail. This monumental watercolor depicts a hollyhock spire (Althea rosea) containing a fully opened blossom and other buds and blossoms in various states of emergence and decline. The spire "grows" magically from the blank sheet of paper, casting a shadow to the right. At its base are a few seeds and a faded blossom fallen to the ground. The florid cursive signature and date by Saftleven at the bottom left complement the arabesque sway of the hollyhock spire. Every leaf and petal seem to tingle with life, and this sense of vivid animation is heightened by the deep reds and greens of the blossoms and foliage. Jean Swart, The Hague. Catalog