Vaas met bloemen 1880 - 1930

Bernard Klene made this ‘Vase with Flowers’ sometime between 1890 and 1930, we don't know exactly when. What I like about this print is how open the method feels. You can really sense the making. The surface has a wonderful gritty texture, almost like sandpaper, and it's built up from layers of colour. The way the blues and purples of the background seep into the vase and table create a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere. The flowers themselves are these bright pops of yellow and red, drawn with simple outlines like a child's drawing. Look at that little squiggle on the vase – it’s so casual, like Klene just flicked his wrist and left it there. It’s these little moments of spontaneity that make the print feel so alive. There’s something in the simplicity of this approach that reminds me of Morandi’s still lifes, that same quiet focus on everyday objects. Like them, this piece reminds us that art isn't about perfection, it's about embracing the process.