Ornament met bladeren uit de Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari c. 1890 - 1922

Johanna van de Kamer made this work, "Ornament met bladeren uit de Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari," with a restricted earthy palette; sepias and raw umbers float and hover as if they were on the verge of disappearing. I can imagine van de Kamer’s process here, how she worked, adding layer upon layer of wash. There are floating leaf-like forms and little berries nestled in the dark parts. The drawing seems to move beyond pure observation, becoming a response to the weight of history and nature. The surface of the paper is stained, and there is a sense of atmosphere. I bet she worked en plein air! It reminds me of the drawings of architectural details made by artists like John Ruskin, who recorded the rapid changes of the city. All these artists are in an ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time, inspiring one another’s creativity.