Petunia's in twee vazen 1872 - 1950

Barbara Elisabeth van Houten made this etching of petunias in two vases, and it’s all about subtle marks and tonal shifts. I can just imagine her bent over the plate, carefully layering each tiny line. You can see the flowers emerging from the darkness, scratched into being by the artist’s hand. The mark making feels so alive, like the blooms themselves are unfurling right before our eyes. Notice the way the light catches the petals, creating these delicate patterns. It’s almost like a dance between shadow and illumination. I’m reminded of other artists who explored the beauty of everyday objects, like Morandi, but with a unique energy. Van Houten seems to be saying, "Look closely, see the extraordinary in the ordinary." Artists are constantly in conversation, each adding their own voice to the chorus. This etching invites us to slow down, to contemplate, and to find beauty in the unexpected.