Vruchtenstilleven op een marmeren blad 1809 - 1839

This is Petronella van Woensel's still life, rendered in graphite, which captures a collection of fruit arranged on a marble slab. The composition immediately presents a study in contrasts – the smooth skin of the fruit against the rougher texture of the marble, the organic shapes of the natural forms against the geometric certainty of the slab's edge. Van Woensel's mastery of graphite allows for a meticulous rendering of light and shadow, giving the piece depth and a tactile quality. The arrangement isn’t simply a collection of objects; it is a structured assembly where each element is carefully placed in relation to the others, creating a balanced yet dynamic tableau. The image's formalism invites us to consider how Van Woensel uses these formal elements to create meaning. Is it a commentary on the transient nature of beauty? Or perhaps an exploration of the way we perceive and categorize the natural world? It challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper structures at play.