Fortuna Comes 1869 - 1925

Antoon Derkinderen made "Fortuna Comes" with watercolor and graphite on paper. The artist was deeply involved in the Arts and Crafts movement, which placed a premium on manual skill. The subdued colors and intricate details create a sense of understated luxury, indicative of Derkinderen’s interest in surface and texture. The image is reminiscent of early Renaissance frescos, with a modern, graphic sensibility. We can see this synthesis in his other works as well. This delicate work would have been made in a studio setting, not an industrial one. Derkinderen’s commitment to working by hand reflects his belief in the value of individual craftsmanship. The labor involved in creating this artwork, though not physically strenuous, requires a high level of skill. This elevation of craft challenges traditional art historical hierarchies.