Vaas van aardewerk, beschilderd met een pauw op lelietakken c. 1910

This earthenware vase was painted by Th. Verstraaten, and whoever he or she may be, I think their process is interesting, a combination of careful observation of the natural world, and this incredible graphic sensibility. The creamy surface of the vase is brought to life with a peacock perched among lily branches. Look at how Verstraaten uses line, not just to define shapes, but to create these delicate, swirling patterns that animate the entire vase. See how the peacock's feathers are rendered with tiny strokes of earthy browns and yellows, that contrast with the cool blues and purples of the lilies? It’s a real play between control and spontaneity. I’m particularly drawn to how the artist uses these dotted lines to suggest movement and growth, almost like a subtle vibration resonating from the lilies. I love the balance between representation and abstraction. This kind of decorative work always makes me think of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement. Like Morris, Verstraaten seems to find joy in the beauty of the natural world and the possibilities of art to turn the mundane into the magical.