Perzik, een pruim met blad en een paar noten 1818 - 1853

Elisabeth Geertruida van de Kasteele painted this watercolor of a peach, plum, and nuts in the 19th century. In this still life, the fruits are imbued with symbolic weight. The peach, with its soft skin and juicy flesh, has long been associated with vitality and the senses. Think of classical Roman art, where fruits overflow cornucopias, representing nature’s abundance. In contrast, nuts, hidden within their shells, suggest potential and hidden knowledge. Consider the ripe plum still attached to its branch. This symbol of connection to the tree, the source of life. It echoes imagery found across cultures, where trees represent the cosmic axis linking the earthly and spiritual realms. In this context, the painting becomes more than just a display of fruit; it is a silent meditation on life, potential, and the cyclical nature of existence. These symbols resonate on a deep, subconscious level, evoking a sense of continuity and shared human experience.