Vrees 1675 - 1737

"Vrees" (Fear) is a watercolor painting by Pieter van den Berge, depicting a woman in a flowing gown with her arms raised in fear. Created between 1675 and 1737, this small-scale work, housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the artist's skillful use of light and shadow to portray emotion. The dynamic pose of the figure and the subtle landscape details suggest a sense of urgency and impending danger, capturing the essence of fear in a powerful and evocative way. This study of human emotion is a testament to van den Berge's mastery of drawing and watercolor techniques, and serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of fear.