Fragment van wandbespanning of gordijnstof met patroon van bloemen, bladeren en insecten 1909 - 1924

This fragment of wall hanging or curtain fabric, created by Theo Nieuwenhuis, probably at the start of the 20th century, is dominated by earthy hues of flowers, leaves and insects that feel very intimate. I imagine Nieuwenhuis, probably in a bright studio, carefully repeating the same motifs, imprinting a personal rhythm. There's something very tender about the botanical forms. I wonder if Nieuwenhuis carefully observed them in a garden? How did he translate the unruly quality of nature into these ordered patterns? This question resonates with me as a painter, how can we extract from the world to create an echo of something else. This piece reminds me of the work of William Morris, another designer who turned to nature for his art. It feels like all artists, whether they know it or not, are in conversation. I wonder how these patterns ended up adorning the walls of homes, softly shaping the lives of those who lived within them?