Vaas met bloemenpatroon 1884 - 1952

Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries created this watercolor painting of a vase with a floral pattern, notable for its attention to the handmade. The material qualities of watercolor – its fluidity, transparency, and capacity for delicate detail – are all on display here. The artist’s hand is evident in the rendering of the floral pattern, which wraps around the vase’s bulbous form, and which could only have been achieved through the skilled application of a brush. The soft tonal gradations of the watercolor create a subtle play of light and shadow, imbuing the image with a sense of depth and volume. De Vries' choice of subject matter – a vase, a humble domestic object – is significant in itself. By elevating this everyday object to the level of fine art, he challenges the traditional hierarchy that separates art from craft, celebrating the beauty and skill inherent in handmade objects. This artwork invites us to consider the social and cultural significance of materials and making, demonstrating how even the simplest of objects can be imbued with meaning through the artist’s touch.