Boeket 1811 - 1849

Maria Geertruida de Goeje-Barbiers created this meticulously detailed drawing of a flower bouquet using pen in the 19th century. The close-up composition, dominated by the roses and the prominent tulip, invites intimate viewing. The sharp lines and carefully placed shadows define the intricate forms of the flowers, lending a tactile quality to the drawing. The arrangement of flowers in a bouquet is not arbitrary; in the 19th century each flower carried symbolic weight. The rose for instance, in its various forms, represented love, beauty, and secrecy. The tulip was associated with wealth and prosperity. These flowers combined created a semiotic structure reflecting social values and personal expressions. The artist's choice to present the bouquet against a plain background further enhances the detailed textures of the leaves, petals and thorns. The drawing prompts us to consider how it destabilizes a conventional still life. It underscores the potential of art to engage with representation, meaning, and cultural values.