“NaturSichten” by Claus Caspari
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In one of my recent articles, I introduced you to the illustrated plant guide from blv, with illustrations by Claus and Stefan Caspari.
As I mentioned, I was incredibly impressed by the detailed watercolor paintings of the depicted plants.
Here's the link to the article.
During my research on more of Claus Caspari's works, I came across the book “NaturSichten - Claus Casparis Blumenbilder.”
Yes, it´s another book only available in german.
BUT WAIT!
In this books it´s all about the illustrations, think of it like a coffee table book.
The paintings are magnificent and incredibly detailed.
There´s few text in it and the described plants are not only named in german, but also in latin. So you´ll have no difficulties finding more out about the plants, if you´d like to.
So please, take a few minutes to read this article and maybe you´ll be blown away from the masterly skills of Claus Caspari.
About Claus Caspari
But first, let’s talk about the artist himself.
Claus Caspari was born in 1911 in Munich, the son of the renowned painter and caricaturist Walther Caspari.
He discovered his passion for art early on, but after finishing high school, he initially pursued a career as an art dealer.
After World War II, he passed interpreter exams in English, French, and Italian.
From 1949 onwards, he devoted himself intensively to naturalistic plant and animal painting, perfecting his technique self-taught.
The book states:
"Claus Caspari spent much of his life meticulously drawing animals, plants, and minerals. He achieved a level of perfection that few contemporary artists could match.
His primary goal was always the detailed yet lively representation of nature."
Claus Caspari passed away in Munich in 1980 at the age of 69.
Claus Caspari
Highlights from the Book
With his detailed and true-to-life flower paintings, Claus Caspari left us an incomparable treasure of botanical art.
“NaturSichten” is a true feast for the eyes for nature lovers and art enthusiasts, showcasing just a fraction of his countless works.
His illustrations are not only artistically impressive but also scientifically accurate, making them valuable resources for both botanists and art lovers.
Paphiopedilum x ansorgei by Claus Caspari
This picture book was first published in 2005 by BLV Verlag. “NaturSichten” features 27 selected artworks on 48 pages, each accompanied by both the German and scientific (Latin) names of the plants.
Also included are Claus Caspari's “meadow pieces” (german: “Wiesenstücke”), which are segments depicting the typical plant population of a meadow.
In these images, all depicted plants are named - both in German and Latin. Where known, the book also provides the locations where the plants were found.
Thymus praecox by Claus Caspari
It is fascinating to see where Claus Caspari found the plants and painted them on-site over several days.
Many of the paintings were also created in the Munich-Nymphenburg Botanical Garden, where Caspari closely collaborated with the then technical director Wilhelm Schacht.
Apart from the illustrations shown in the article, the following works particularly captivated me:
Zitrone, flowering and fruit-bearing branch, Citrus limon, from Amalfi, 1959
Gewöhnliche Haselwurz, Asarum europaeum, 1965
Queensland-Ruhmesblume, Clianthus dampieri (Clianthus formosus), Botanical Garden Munich Nymphenburg, 1962
A very special highlight can be found at the end of this picture book.
Each copy includes a high-quality art print of Claus Caspari’s “Orchis pallens, Orchis mascula, Orchis mascula x pallens” that you can take out.
I immediately framed and hung the print. It's far too beautiful to remain just in the book.
Lathyrus odoratus by Claus Caspari
The Art of Dry Watercolor Painting
Claus Caspari preferred working with watercolors and used other media only when absolutely necessary.
His preferred watercolor technique was dry watercolor, which he used to create his detailed and naturalistic works.
This technique allowed him to depict the finest nuances of the plants, making his paintings appear lively and realistic.
The foreword of the book notes, "Few brushstrokes were fine enough for him, so he often pulled the brush to a point with his lips."
Rosa “Märchenland” by Claus Caspari
Summary
"NaturSichten - Claus Caspari's Flower Paintings" is more than just a picture book.
It is an invitation to see and appreciate nature through the eyes of an impressive artist.
The detailed illustrations bring the beauty of nature closer in a way that photos often cannot achieve and are a testament to the meticulousness of their creator.
Further Information & Links
If you would like to get “NaturSichten - Claus Caspari's Flower Paintings,” here are the ISBN numbers of the book:
ISBN-10: 3405168562
ISBN-13: 978-3405168568
Although new copies are no longer available, you can often find used and well-preserved copies on Amazon, or other booksellers.
Additional Sources
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