Girl with Flowers c. 1915

Wilhelm Bormann created this intriguing glazed stoneware sculpture, "Girl with Flowers," sometime in the early 20th century. Notice how the smoothness of the child's figure contrasts with the textured floral base, a juxtaposition that immediately draws the eye. The limited color palette of blues, creams, pinks, and greens concentrates our attention on the form. The work has an uncanny quality. Bormann’s decision to merge the child with an almost excessively decorated base raises questions about the relationship between nature and the human form. Does it celebrate innocence, or does it perhaps carry darker undertones relating to the ornamental treatment of the figure? The detailed floral work might also function as a coded message. The flowers could serve as signifiers, each carrying specific meanings and contributing to a richer understanding of the sculpture’s cultural and social context. This piece challenges us to consider how beauty and artifice intersect, inviting ongoing interpretation of its visual language.