Omslagontwerp voor: Geïllustreerde prijscourant v.d. Burg & Thomas te Rotterdam 1884 - 1952

This is Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries' design for an illustrated price list for Burg & Thomas in Rotterdam. Here, the artist animates paint tubes and bottles into human-like figures, immediately drawing us into a symbolic representation of the company's products. Notice the two primary figures: anthropomorphic paint containers. One holds a palette, the other, a brush as a weapon. This motif echoes the ancient concept of tools or objects imbued with symbolic power. Consider the scepters of royalty, or the staffs of shamans – objects that extend the individual’s reach, authority, or creative influence. In alchemy, the vessel is as important as its contents. The image subtly conveys the idea of transformation and the power of color. The artist taps into our collective memory, reminding us that even the most mundane objects can be elevated to symbols of creativity and power. It’s a vivid representation of the psychological connection between the artist, the medium, and the act of creation, resonating deeply within our subconscious. The image is not just an advertisement but an invitation to engage with art on a deeper level, where colors and materials become characters in our visual and psychological landscape.