Detail of Painting on Altar Panel c. 1936

Emery Gellert made this Detail of Painting on Altar Panel with paint on board, at an unknown date. It’s a dance of flowers and grapes against a gold background, a decorative pattern that feels both formal and folksy, like a memory trying to become something more. Look at how Gellert layers the colors, thin washes that build up to create depth, especially in the lower section. You can almost feel the delicate touch of the brush, as if each stroke is a whispered secret. The texture isn’t about heavy impasto; it’s about the subtle shifts in tone. Notice the bouquet of grapes, a cluster of muted purples and reds. It anchors the piece, giving weight to the lighter, airy flowers floating above. This reminds me of the work of Hilma af Klint, who used botanical motifs to create her own spiritual language in paint. Like Klint, Gellert seems to be reaching for something beyond the surface, an image that’s both decorative and deeply felt. It's a great piece to ponder, but not come to a fixed conclusion on.