Staal bespanningsstof naar ontwerp van Theo Nieuwenhuis in passe-partout c. 1910

Theo Nieuwenhuis designed this steel mesh fabric, now in the Rijksmuseum, with a kind of process in mind that I find really interesting. There's something about the way the pattern repeats, a kind of floral motif that feels both structured and organic. Look closely, and you can see how the texture of the fabric plays a big part; the slight sheen of the steel threads catches the light, giving the whole piece a subtle, almost metallic glow. The color palette is muted, but the contrast between the light and shadow creates depth, drawing you in. It reminds me a bit of William Morris, but with a harder edge. Where Morris is all about the romanticism of nature, Nieuwenhuis seems to be exploring the intersection of nature and industry, the way technology can be used to create something beautiful, something that is both functional and decorative. For me, this piece really highlights the conversation between art, design, and the materials we use to shape our world.