Vlakken met aardbeien, eikenbladeren en cipressen before 1897

This botanical study, "Vlakken met aardbeien, eikenbladeren en cipressen," presents a tripartite arrangement of flora, each framed within its distinct rectangular space. The anonymous artist uses a monochromatic palette to render textures and details with precision. The composition, divided horizontally, invites a comparative analysis of the natural forms. The upper register features strawberry plants, their leaves and fruit meticulously detailed. The central band showcases oak leaves and acorns, their robust forms suggesting strength and endurance. The lower section presents cypress branches laden with cones, their intricate patterns creating a dense, textural field. The artist plays with positive and negative space, allowing each element to emerge clearly from the background. The uniformity of tone encourages a focus on structure, emphasizing the inherent geometry within organic shapes. This visual structure mirrors a broader cultural tendency to categorize and organize the natural world through scientific observation. Ultimately, the work functions not only as an aesthetic representation but also as an exercise in visual classification.