Red Currant 1797 - 1810

Philipp Otto Runge crafted this silhouette of a red currant, a humble subject elevated through the stark contrast of white against blue. The sprig of red currant, laden with berries and leaves, is more than botanical illustration. In the language of flowers, berries often symbolize charity and unity, virtues deeply intertwined with domestic harmony. Consider the vine, a symbol of connection and abundance, winding through art history from ancient Roman frescoes to Renaissance tapestries. Its presence evokes a sense of growth and interconnectedness, a visual echo of life's cyclical nature. Here, the crisp, white paper against the blue ground lends a sense of purity and clarity. The starkness invites a deeper contemplation of nature's simple gifts. It is a reminder that beauty resides in the everyday, a subtle dance between form and meaning that resonates across centuries.