Women as allegory for the life force of plants - or just a plant biology lesson?

[Aurara84]

By the way, as an artist what do you think about the artistic qualities of the VM? 

It's definitely a weird mix. It seems so odd to me that some drawings have so much detail and care lavished on them, yet some look like they've been coloured in by my 4 year old! I wonder if you think the ink used to colour could have become so faded so that in some places we're only seeing the 'hardest' marks? In some parts, particularly the botanical illustrations, I get the distinct impression that the images have been copied from ones which were originally drawn by a much more accomplished artist, and copied by someone who is less skilled - they've captured certain aspects exceptionally well and others terribly - perhaps when filling in the 'blanks' or when better source material wasn't available - just a thought.

Also, at a first glance, the women's bodies seem to be clumsily drawn (and their chin-necks are a little unfair!) but, having traced them over and over, many of them actually have quite a few redeeming and insightful elements. Some of the arms have a beautiful curve and fold describing the bicep/elbow/tricep, the author sometimes manages a very life-like curve of the hip/thighs and I love how different women have such different hair and faces. Plus on f70v1 & v2 there's an impressive range of breast shapes! 

   

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