Iris c. 1900

Gijs Bosch Reitz created this image of an Iris on an unknown date using unknown materials. The Iris print is likely inspired by ukiyo-e prints from Japan which became increasingly popular in Europe in the late 19th century. This type of artwork coincided with increased trade between Europe and Japan, influencing European artists to incorporate Japanese aesthetics into their work. This interest in Japanese prints was not without its political dimensions. European society was rapidly industrializing, leading to a sense of alienation and a desire for simpler, more natural forms of expression. Japanese art, with its emphasis on nature and its stylized forms, offered an appealing alternative to the perceived decadence and artificiality of Western culture. To truly understand a piece like this, we delve into the cultural and historical context in which it was created, using archival materials and historical texts to uncover its deeper significance.