Roser og reseda i et blomsterglas 1870 - 1874

Kristian Zahrtmann created this still life of roses and reseda flowers in a glass, using oil paints and a brush. The material of oil paint itself is key to understanding the image. Zahrtmann carefully layered the pigment to achieve a striking contrast, which is most evident in the delicate, almost ethereal rendering of the flowers against the stark black background. The texture suggests a slow, deliberate process, each stroke contributing to the form and weight of the blooms. This attention to detail elevates the painting from a simple floral arrangement to a study in light and shadow, reminiscent of the Dutch Masters. Zahrtmann engaged with the traditional skills of painting, but at the same time, he seemed interested in finding his own way, and asserting a personal touch. The amount of work involved speaks to the value placed on craftsmanship, an aspect often overlooked in favor of the more celebrated elements of composition and subject matter. Considering the material and process allows us to appreciate Zahrtmann’s labor, challenging any divide between art and craft.