Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum)

Anselmus Boëtius de Boodt, 1596 - 1610

In addition to capturing the white bell-shaped flowers, the draughtsman has gone a step further by including a depiction of the rhizome, typically hidden beneath the ground, from which a new stem sprouts every year. The rhizome is illustrated at the lower right of the drawing. The scars visible where the old stem withers resemble the imprint of a signet ring: specifically, that of the biblical King Solomon, which explains the plant's name.

  • Artwork typedrawing
  • Object numberRP-T-BR-2017-1-11-7
  • Dimensionsheight 253 mm x width 165 mm
  • Physical characteristicspenseel in waterverf en dekverf over zwart krijt, gehoogd met witte dekverf, handschrift in pen in bruin