Esdoornblad 1824 - 1881

Elise Thérèse Daiwaille created this lithograph titled ‘Esdoornblad’ or ‘Maple Leaf’. Daiwaille, a Dutch artist born in the early 19th century, navigated a world in which women artists were often relegated to specific subjects, such as portraiture or still life. This work is a detailed botanical study, a popular subject during a period when scientific illustration was both art and documentation. But it is also important to consider how gender influenced artistic expression at this time. Women often found artistic freedom in genres that were seen as less threatening to the male-dominated art world. "Esdoornblad" reflects a pursuit of knowledge and aesthetic sensibility. The close observation required for botanical illustration allowed women artists to engage with the natural world, while also expressing their artistic talents within socially acceptable boundaries. Daiwaille’s detailed rendering captures the intricate veining and texture of the leaf, transforming it into a compelling object of contemplation. This lithograph invites us to reflect on the intersections of art, science, gender, and the subtle ways in which artists like Daiwaille carved out spaces for their voices.