Glas met alpenbloemen 1860

Rudolf von Alt made this watercolor painting of alpine flowers in a glass, sometime in the 19th century. The material qualities of watercolor lend themselves particularly well to this subject. Notice the way the translucent washes capture the delicate textures of the petals and leaves, and the way the light filters through the glass. Look closely and you'll see that the artist has used a very precise technique, building up the image with many tiny strokes of the brush. This kind of careful observation and recording was very much in keeping with the scientific spirit of the time. But don't mistake this for a purely objective exercise. Alt clearly had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, and the watercolor medium allowed him to express that in a very intimate way. By paying attention to the materials and techniques used, we can appreciate the skill and artistry that went into creating this deceptively simple image. It is not just a record of flowers, but a testament to the artist's engagement with his world.