Peer 1836 - 1895

Gerardina Jacoba van de Sande Bakhuyzen created this watercolor of a pear, a humble yet intimate still life, during the 19th century. As a woman artist in a time when the art world was heavily dominated by men, Bakhuyzen navigated her career through specialized genres like still life and landscapes, which were deemed acceptable for women. This pear, rendered with such delicate attention, becomes more than just fruit. It's a quiet declaration of Bakhuyzen's presence and skill. The soft washes of color and the meticulous detail speak to a personal connection with the subject. The pear, in its ripeness, hints at themes of transience and natural beauty but it also reflects the limited space that women artists occupied. Through her art, Bakhuyzen subtly challenges the conventions of her time, carving out a space for herself in the artistic landscape. This watercolor invites us to consider the broader narratives of gender and artistic expression.