Herfsttijloos 1896 - 1931

This is 'Herfsttijloos', a print by Emilius Wilhelmus Dehé, held here at the Rijksmuseum. Dehé lived through both World Wars, and while we don’t know the exact date of this print, its delicate rendering of a flowering plant speaks to the enduring presence of nature amidst human conflict. Made in black and white, it avoids the conventional beauty often associated with floral studies. Instead, the print focuses on the plant's stark form. The artist's choice to depict the subject in this manner encourages us to find beauty in simplicity and resilience. Consider how Dehé transforms an ordinary plant into a symbol of perseverance. The Herfsttijloos, or autumn crocus, blooms even as summer fades, perhaps mirroring the artist's own ability to create beauty despite the tumultuous times in which he lived.