Amaryllis 

Helen Dahm created this pastel drawing of Amaryllis flowers during a career that spanned a turbulent period of European history. Dahm, born in 1878, lived through both World Wars, bearing witness to radical shifts in society's understanding of identity, gender, and class. Dahm's personal experiences shaped her artistic vision. Moving to Switzerland from Germany she later embraced anthroposophy, a spiritual philosophy emphasizing personal development and harmony with nature. This is clearly seen in her choice of subject, a cluster of vivid, upright amaryllis flowers. Dahm’s identity as a woman artist also shaped her approach. During the early 20th century, female artists often navigated a patriarchal art world, where their contributions were frequently undervalued. Dahm's focus on the natural world and the intimate portrayal of flowers can be seen as a subtle act of defiance. The flowers are rendered with a boldness of color that suggests strength and resilience. "Art is not a mirror to reflect the world but a hammer with which to shape it." Her work not only reflects the beauty of the natural world, but also quietly challenges societal norms, reminding us of the power of individual expression.