Vase of Flowers 1911

Theo van Rysselberghe's "Vase of Flowers" bursts with a vibrant array of blossoms, each hue resonating with life. The flowers, symbols of transience and beauty, reflect a tradition stretching back to antiquity. Consider the visual echo of floral motifs in ancient Minoan frescoes, where nature's abundance celebrated life’s vitality. Yet, here, Rysselberghe offers a twist. The intense, almost feverish application of color suggests more than simple representation. The psychological weight of the image lies in its fleeting nature; these flowers, like life itself, are beautiful yet impermanent. Throughout history, floral arrangements appear during the Dutch Golden Age, where each flower held codified meanings—love, remembrance, vanity. The emotional power of these blossoms transcends mere aesthetics. The flowers resurface, evolve, taking on new meanings and engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.