Twee vazen met bloemen 1891 - 1941

Editor: This drawing, titled "Twee vazen met bloemen," by Leo Gestel, is estimated to be from between 1891 and 1941. It’s an ink drawing on paper and currently held in the Rijksmuseum. It feels so spontaneous, like a quick sketch. What historical context can you provide to deepen my understanding of this artwork? Curator: Considering the period, think about the rising interest in capturing fleeting moments, wouldn’t you say? Gestel uses the line and form to simplify nature's complexity. He seems influenced by the prevailing atmosphere of art schools, where sketching directly from life became prominent, shaping public taste for more impressionistic styles. Did museums at that time showcase many still-life drawings? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. It makes sense given its seemingly incomplete presentation and the rise of impressionism during that era. I guess museums would have had a role in establishing this preference! Why this choice of subject matter, then? Curator: Still life has always offered a relatively uncontroversial, yet aesthetically rewarding, artistic opportunity. It allowed artists to experiment with style and composition, skills later employed in larger commissions. Given Gestel's status, his still life drawings perhaps functioned as accessible avenues for collectors with specific tastes shaped by an art market emphasizing innovation and technical skill. It democratized art, so to speak, placing art in people's homes. Do you agree with my assessment? Editor: That's an interesting interpretation, particularly the idea of "democratized art," accessible to new audiences. It makes me see this piece not just as a floral arrangement but as part of a broader societal shift. Curator: Indeed. Reflecting on our discussion, this simple ink drawing carries echoes of significant cultural movements and transformations in art consumption and display.