Plant Fever
The World on the Windowsill
A part of the subject areas Art, History and Natural science
Edited by
Pernille Leth-Espensen,
Gertrud Oelsner and
Anette Vandsø
With contributions by
Astrid Steffensen,
Rikke Zinck Jensen,
Gry Hedin,
Martha Fleming,
Nick Shepherd and
Anders Barfod
More about the book
About the book
Plant Fever. The World on the Windowsill uncovers the hidden story of how plants from tropical and subtropical regions found their way into Danish homes in the 19th century. Plant fever took the country by storm, and the green newcomers began appearing in the art of the time— first sporadically, then as a recurring motif.
But houseplants are more than just decoration. They carry stories of colonial history, class divisions, gender roles—and of our relationship with nature. Today, these green companions continue to brighten up our homes, and in a time of global environmental crisis, it’s worth rethinking our connection to them.
Drawing on both iconic and lesser-known Danish artworks from the 19th century, this book traces the cultural and artistic journey of houseplants—from rare botanical curiosities to cherished symbols of everyday life.
The book is published in collaboration with The Hirschsprung Collection and Ordrupgaard and also available in Danish.
