Viooltjes in een vaas 1872 - 1935

This print shows violets in a vase, made by Ferdinand Oldewelt at an unknown date. Look closely, and you'll notice how Oldewelt constructed this still life through a web of delicate lines, a process of building up form through careful, repetitive marks. I love how the velvety textures are rendered – it's all about the surface, isn't it? There’s a real sense of depth despite the limited palette. It feels like he’s really dug into the plate to get the darks so rich, especially around the blooms themselves, those deep blacks drawing your eye right in. Then, the lighter areas are built up with the finest of touches, creating this shimmering effect on the vase. It reminds me of Odilon Redon, actually, that same commitment to the quiet power of black and white, and the way it can evoke a whole world of feeling. With each line, Oldewelt invites us into this quiet, contemplative space, a testament to the beauty found in the everyday.