Oleander en brem 1677 - 1755

Elias van Nijmegen created this watercolor of Oleander en Brem. Nijmegen, working in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, lived in a Dutch society shaped by its global trade and colonial expansion. This context is crucial when viewing his still life works. During this time, the Dutch interest in natural history was significant, fueled by explorations and the desire to classify the natural world, often for economic gain. Consider the oleander, a plant not native to the Netherlands, included here. It reflects an expanding world view, but also the ecological and cultural impacts of colonialism. The work invites us to reflect on how botanical studies intersect with global power dynamics, and how the simple act of painting a flower is deeply embedded in cultural and economic exchange.