God’s Creatures 1913

Eugen von Blaas made this oil painting called “God’s Creatures,” but we don't know exactly when. The piece is dominated by a cool palette and soft, blended brushwork, which gives it this dreamy, serene quality. I love the fact that the edges of the forms are so soft, it feels like you could almost reach out and touch her. Look at the way the light falls on the nun’s sleeves, pooling in the folds of her habit, see how Blaas really worked the paint to capture the texture of the fabric? And how the light illuminates the side of her face. The artist's technical skill is on full display here, but it's the quiet emotion in the nun’s expression that really captivates me. She seems lost in thought, gazing out at the birds soaring over the water. This focus on capturing a moment of quiet contemplation reminds me of the work of artists like Vilhelm Hammershøi, who were also interested in exploring the beauty of everyday life. I think this piece invites us to slow down, take a breath, and appreciate the simple beauty of the world around us, to let our minds drift and find our own peace.