Petunia's in een glazen vaas 1877 - 1950

Editor: Barbara Elisabeth van Houten's print, "Petunia's in een glazen vaas," probably made sometime between 1877 and 1950, really captures the texture of those velvety flowers, even though it's just an etching. There's something so delicate yet intense about it. What stands out to you the most in this piece? Curator: It’s that contrast, isn’t it? The way she coaxes out that velvety bloom, then plunges it into near darkness. I find it mesmerizing. Think about it – an etching relies on the precision of the line, but here, it feels almost painterly. Are we looking at the fullness of life, a delicate bloom in full glory, or are we sensing, perhaps, a meditation on mortality, that the bloom is temporary, cut off from the source and in glass vase? Editor: That's a darker interpretation than I had initially, but it resonates with me. I guess I was so focused on the skill involved. The petals do seem almost to spill out, refusing to be contained. Curator: Precisely. Consider what it meant to depict domesticity back then, versus how she portrays this untamed petunia. A little rebellious, wouldn't you say? Look how it sprawls and encroaches beyond that neat, conventional vase! I imagine she did this piece and maybe giggled a bit about it? Editor: I didn't catch that tension initially, but it is evident. That is exciting, it feels so forward-thinking for its time. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! And now, you've given me fresh eyes to appreciate the rebellious spirit.