Ornament met bloem 1870 - 1937

Curator: Today we are looking at "Ornament met bloem," dating from 1870 to 1937. It is currently located in the Rijksmuseum, and the creator remains anonymous. Editor: My initial reaction is that this drawing possesses an undeniable charm through its simplicity. The use of stark ink creates a surprisingly dynamic composition. Curator: Indeed. While seemingly simple, it displays an interesting use of positive and negative space. Observe the geometric underpinnings and the stylized floral form – all articulated through a deliberate line. Its purpose is overtly decorative. Editor: It is striking how the artist employs just ink and paper to evoke the qualities associated with the floral form. You are right. Looking closer I appreciate that the line work doesn’t try to disguise the method of making. I wonder about the repetitive motion involved in creating numerous versions for a functional outcome. Curator: An interesting question! Its status as 'decorative art' presupposes it being a design for a larger item. A wallpaper perhaps or fabric? This transforms its very status, questioning the autonomy typically associated with so-called 'high art'. Editor: Right. How might our interpretation shift if we knew what common application it might have been applied to? How ubiquitous was its presence? Imagine all those prints of this on a textile, the material, how it shifts when draping. What sort of statement are people trying to convey when applying something of this design on their clothing. Curator: An intriguing point. Even devoid of context, one can admire its ability to articulate an abstract design. The symmetrical organization grants the composition an appealing, near-symbolic stability. Editor: It does allow for contemplation of repeated motions, an idea as to function, and opens discussion beyond mere surface level beauty. Curator: Yes, this simple drawing makes a stronger statement the closer we look at its forms and production, despite its limited formal devices. Editor: For all the unknown elements, it provides some interesting context to a past artistic endeavor in applying art in our every day.