Corydalis 1901 - 1909

Anna Syberg made this still life of Corydalis flowers, with oil on canvas, sometime around the turn of the 20th century. The paint handling here is pretty straightforward, and she's not trying to hide the process. I love how the impasto of the lilacs really pops against the quieter strokes of the tabletop and the lace doily. Look closely at the way she layers purples and greens; it’s almost like you can feel the texture of the petals. The brushstrokes are not overly blended, creating a lively surface that catches the light. It’s like Syberg is letting us in on the secret of how she sees the world. This reminds me a bit of Bonnard, with its intimate domestic scene and focus on light and color. But Syberg has her own distinct voice, a kind of quiet confidence. It's a reminder that art isn't about answers, but about the questions we ask and how we ask them.