Blauw glazen vaasje met lila Dahlia 1867 - 1935

Maurits van der Valk created this small watercolor, titled "Blauw glazen vaasje met lila Dahlia," with paper and brush, imbuing the ordinary with a soft glow. Notice how the translucent quality of watercolor allows light to filter through the blue glass vase and delicate dahlia. Van der Valk used subtle layering and blending to capture the textures and forms, creating a sense of depth and volume. The choice of watercolor invites an appreciation for the artist's process, where each brushstroke contributes to the artwork’s overall effect. In his time, watercolors were increasingly favored for their portability and convenience, aligning with the era’s growing accessibility of art-making. With its quiet beauty, this painting bridges the space between the detailed observation of craft traditions, and the emotive expression found in fine art. It serves as a reminder of the skill involved in transforming everyday subjects into objects of contemplation.