Poppy 

This is Philipp Otto Runge's 'Poppy', made using paper cutting, a popular folk art. Runge was active during a time of great social and political change in Europe. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the poppy held various symbolic meanings, from sleep, peace, and oblivion, to its darker associations with opium, often linked with colonial trade and exploitation. Philipp Otto Runge's exploration of light and color in his paintings was mirrored in his paper cuttings. The stark contrast between light and dark in his works invite you to reflect on themes such as life and death, presence and absence. What do the sharp and delicate forms of the poppy against the black background evoke in you? Ultimately, Runge's 'Poppy' reflects his desire to connect art with nature and human emotion, offering a personal and reflective experience.