Arkivism
Solomon's seal (Polygonatum multiflorum)
Public domain

Solomon's seal (Polygonatum multiflorum)

1596 - 1610 · pen; brush; paper; deck paint; ink; watercolor (paint); chalk

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

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.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Credit lineGewone salomonszegel (Polygonatum multiflorum). 1596 - 1610. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

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