Study of Apple Blossom, Dead Nettle, Mayflower, and Ground Ivy 1896

Theo Nieuwenhuis created this study of apple blossom, dead nettle, mayflower and ground ivy, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. As an artist, Nieuwenhuis combined Art Nouveau style with an interest in the natural world, particularly in botanical illustration. He often used his art for overtly political purposes, designing propaganda posters for the socialist party, and even banknotes. In this image, a flat plane of dark ink surrounds accurate drawings of plants. The botanical style connects to a tradition of scientific illustration from the Enlightenment, and to Dutch artists' historical interest in still life. But we should also consider that Nieuwenhuis was working at a time when art was seen as a tool for social reform. What might this study tell us about our relationship with nature, or the institutions of science and art? To understand this, you might research his political affiliations at the time he made the artwork and consult his other printed works. This would shed light on his artistic motivations.