Eetkamer met groene canapé c. 1925

This watercolor of a dining room with a green sofa was made in the Netherlands in the 20th century, by an artist known only as Monogrammist HK. I can imagine them carefully building up the washes of color, one layer at a time. Isn’t it wonderful to imagine the artist trying to capture the light filtering through the windows, and how it reflects on all the surfaces? The walls are a muted, steely gray, punctuated by the soft pink of the curtains and the warm wood tones of the furniture. And that green sofa! It’s the focal point, drawing your eye in and inviting you to sit and linger. The artist’s hand is so delicate, capturing every detail from the ornate chandelier to the plush cushions. You get a sense of intimacy; it feels like you are peeking into a private world. We see how they were in conversation with the impressionists and other painters of the time. It's exciting to think about how artists build upon each other’s ideas, pushing the boundaries of what painting can do!