Bloemenruiker van geknipt wit papier in een vaas onder stolp. Door Hendrik van Irkoven. before 1881

Hendrik van Irkoven created this paper flower bouquet encased in glass; a serene, monochromatic marvel. Paper art was an important tradition in the Netherlands, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. These delicate creations were a testament to skill and patience, qualities often associated with domestic virtues. Within the confines of home, women were encouraged to master crafts like paper cutting, blurring the lines between artistic expression and feminine identity. The choice of white paper further emphasizes purity and innocence, aligning with prevailing ideals of womanhood. However, these bouquets also transcend mere decoration; they are expressions of resilience. While fragile, they defy the fleeting nature of real flowers, offering a symbolic resistance to the passage of time. Encased under glass, they are preserved, a silent testament to both fragility and strength.