Perzik en pruim c. 1815 - 1821

Albertus Jonas Brandt made this watercolor of a peach and a plum in the early 19th century. During this period, the Dutch art world was experiencing a shift away from the patriotic fervor and towards new forms of expression. Here, Brandt's intense focus on capturing the texture and form of these everyday objects can be seen as a way to explore deeper themes of sensuality and mortality. Slicing the fruits open creates a conversation around exposure. There’s an undeniable erotic charge to the image. Think about how the representation of fruit, often associated with abundance and fertility, takes on new meaning when presented with such directness. The plum is left whole in contrast with the peach which is halved, exposing its pit. The image invites us to contemplate the transience of beauty and the fleeting nature of life. How does Brandt use these simple fruits to reflect the complex emotions and experiences of his time?