Twee perziken aan hun steeltjes 1824 - 1900

Albertus Steenbergen created this image of two peaches on their stems in the 19th century. During this time, botanical art was less about scientific documentation and more about celebrating nature's beauty and abundance, a trend deeply entangled with the social values of the era. Consider the cultural status of fruit; often seen as symbols of luxury and the good life. It was a period where what you displayed in your home spoke volumes about your position in society. Steenbergen's choice to depict peaches, a fruit associated with prosperity and health, might reflect the aspirations and values of the middle class, eager to display their cultivated tastes and appreciation for the finer things. The soft rendering and delicate colors evoke a sense of gentle admiration. It's an intimate portrayal, which offers us a glimpse into the domestic sphere of the 19th century.