Jar of chrysanthemums 

Theo van Doesburg created 'Jar of Chrysanthemums' using watercolor, likely in the early 20th century. Van Doesburg was deeply involved in the De Stijl movement, which sought a universal visual language through pure abstraction. However, here, instead of the clean lines and primary colors De Stijl is known for, we find an intimate, almost hesitant portrayal of domesticity. The muted tones evoke a sense of quiet introspection, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. The choice of chrysanthemums is also evocative, often associated with mourning and remembrance in Western cultures, while in Japan they represent longevity and rejuvenation. This work can be seen as existing in a space between the personal and the universal, between tradition and modernity, revealing the tensions inherent in the pursuit of a purely rational art. It quietly prompts us to consider the emotional and cultural complexities that abstraction often seeks to transcend.