Plant in een pot c. 1916

Reijer Stolk made this untitled sketch of a potted plant with pen and ink. Stolk was a Dutch artist who lived through both world wars, and while this drawing may seem like a simple still life, the proliferation of plants and interest in domestic scenes speaks to a desire for normalcy after the disruptions of war. The stark black and white lines could evoke a sense of tension, reflecting the anxieties of the interwar period in the Netherlands. It's also interesting to consider the institutional context. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, plays a role in preserving and presenting Dutch cultural heritage. By including this seemingly simple drawing in its collection, the museum elevates the everyday and suggests that even in the most ordinary objects, we can find reflections of history and society. As art historians, we delve into archives, letters, and cultural ephemera to understand the context in which art is made and displayed, revealing the intricate connections between art, society, and institutions.