Anemones 1888

Editor: Here we have Floris Verster's "Anemones," an oil painting created in 1888 and housed at the Rijksmuseum. The brushstrokes seem so thick, giving a real sense of texture, almost as if I could reach out and touch the petals. What do you make of it? Curator: The interesting thing here is Verster’s negotiation with tradition. At first glance, it is a typical still life, which historically has been used to convey moral or allegorical messages. However, think about the late 19th century – the rise of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism meant artists were trying to capture fleeting moments, playing with light and color. How do you see that tension play out in this piece? Editor: I see it in the looseness of the brushwork, a definite break from highly detailed realism, but it still feels different than the other Impressionists I have seen. Curator: Precisely. Verster comes a little later. It also important to think about the emerging art market in the late 19th century. Smaller still lifes, such as this one, catered to a growing middle class eager to display art in their homes. It suggests an intimate relationship with nature, something accessible. Notice how it almost denies the large formal exhibition painting. What feelings does that evoke in you, if any? Editor: It gives me the sense that he’s finding beauty in the ordinary. Instead of some grand historical scene, he’s inviting us to pause and appreciate a simple vase of flowers. I’m going to look at other of his flower paintings! Curator: Indeed, thinking about the painting as an object of commerce as well as a thing of beauty definitely gives it a rich added layer to understanding Verster and his cultural milieu.