Autumn leaves 1944

Reijer Stolk painted these Autumn Leaves in the Netherlands, some time before his death in 1945. Stolk was part of a generation of artists who lived through both World Wars. Here, the leaves are not simply replicated; they are re-imagined. Each leaf bears a unique pattern, a tapestry of colors that speak to the individuality inherent in nature, despite the overarching themes of decay and transition. They recall a life cycle, mirroring Stolk’s own life, which was cut short. Consider the emotional weight of this piece, created by an artist who experienced immense societal upheaval. In this still life, Stolk seems to suggest that even in decline, there is an intricate beauty, a complex identity to be acknowledged. The painting invites us to reflect on our own impermanence and the beauty inherent in the transient moments of life.