Fluwelen lint, in twee lussen aaneengenaaid, lichtblauw c. 1900 - 1950

This is a light-blue velvet ribbon, sewn into two loops, by Gustav Schnitzler. It is, well, just that. But imagine the artist, Schnitzler, handling this, feeling the velvet between his fingers. I think about sewing a lot, because in some ways painting is like sewing, patching things together. The way the artist has stitched this ribbon, folding and securing the fabric in a way that allows it to take on new forms, reminds me of how painters build up the surface of a canvas with layers of color and texture. See how the loops create a sense of volume and depth, while the stitches provide a tactile quality, like the brushstrokes. This ribbon is an exercise in form and material, a testament to the transformative potential of simple gestures. Like all art, Schnitzler is in conversation with all who came before and all who will come after, and isn't it amazing to think that a humble ribbon can be a source of inspiration for a painter like me? It's all about looking closely and finding new connections!