Doos bij plaquette van de XVIIIe Interparlementaire Vredesconferentie Den Haag, 1913 1913

This box was made in 1913 by the Koninklijke Utrechtsche Fabriek van Zilverwerken van C.J. Begeer. I imagine the artist carefully selecting the materials, feeling the weight and texture of the silver in their hands. The faded, muted tones of the box speak of a bygone era, don't they? You know, I bet that original maker was thinking about what it means to preserve an object. As a painter, I'm always thinking about surfaces, like the smooth exterior of this box, and how they invite touch and interaction. It's like a blank canvas, waiting to be opened, to reveal the stories held within. The box seems so humble, so unassuming, yet it carries within it the weight of history and the promise of peace. It reminds me of the work of Joseph Cornell, how he transformed everyday objects into poignant reflections on memory and longing. Ultimately, it's a testament to the power of art to transcend time, and spark dialogue, and to prompt contemplation.