Waaierblad met links een boeket bloemen 1890

Ermocrate Bucchi made this fan leaf with a bouquet of flowers using watercolor. The success of watercolor depends on a close relationship between the artist, the pigment and paper. The support in particular is crucial: Bucchi would have used paper that was sized to be less absorbent, and would have considered the tooth, or texture of the page, to allow for the subtle application of color that gives watercolor its unique character. Notice how the artist has applied the washes, allowing the light to reflect through thin layers of pigment, to create luminosity. Consider also the social context: fans like this were not simply decorative; they were essential fashion accessories, used to communicate social status and even secret messages. Appreciating the artistry and social context enriches our understanding of the artwork, reminding us that so-called minor art forms are never separate from the wider culture.