Stilleven met aardewerk en een houten lepel 1887 - 1924

Julie de Graag made this still life with earthenware and a wooden spoon with colored crayon and pencil. In the Dutch art world of the early 20th century, there was a strong emphasis on simplicity and the everyday, a reaction against the more opulent styles of the previous century. De Graag's choice of ordinary, domestic objects aligns with this cultural shift. The Rijksmuseum, as a national institution, plays a role in shaping our understanding of Dutch art history. By displaying this work, the museum elevates the everyday, prompting viewers to find beauty and value in simplicity. De Graag's still life can be seen as quietly progressive. She invites us to reconsider the art world’s traditional hierarchies. We can research exhibition records and period publications to discover how the art was received at the time. By examining the cultural context, we better appreciate how this work challenges and enriches our understanding of art's relationship to society.