Bloemen in een vaas met Chinese motieven 1896 - 1897

This subtle etching of flowers in a vase, made by Theodore Roussel sometime around the turn of the century, invites us to consider the complex exchange of ideas that characterized European art at this time. The image is an exercise in the aesthetic of Japonisme, which became popular in France and England during the late nineteenth century. Roussel was an active member of artistic circles in London and became a prominent figure in the etching revival. His choice of subject matter and style reflects a broader interest in non-Western art and design, spurred in part by the opening of trade relations with Japan in the 1850s. To understand Roussel's work, one might consult periodicals such as The Yellow Book, which promoted aestheticism and Japonisme, and exhibition reviews which reveal how these works were received by the public. The meaning of this print is contingent on its cultural and institutional context.