Vijf zonnebloemen 1872 - 1950

Barbara Elisabeth van Houten created this etching titled 'Vijf zonnebloemen’ or ‘Five Sunflowers.' Van Houten, born in the Netherlands in 1862, lived through a time of significant social change that included evolving roles for women in the arts. At the time, still life paintings of flowers were considered to be a feminine genre. However, this work goes beyond mere representation. The sunflowers are not just objects of beauty but appear to possess a strong, almost assertive presence. Van Houten uses the medium of etching, which allows for intricate detail and tonal variation, to explore the textures and forms of the flowers. Consider the choice of sunflowers, which became a popular motif associated with artists like Van Gogh. However, unlike Van Gogh's vibrant and emotionally charged sunflowers, Van Houten's depiction feels quieter, more introspective. It invites contemplation on the complex relationship between women artists, nature, and artistic expression.