Twee appeltjes aan een tak 1834 - 1895

Johannes Reekers made this delicate watercolor, Twee appeltjes aan een tak, in the nineteenth century. Reekers's choice of watercolor allows for a luminous quality. What I find compelling is Reekers's attention to detail; not just in depicting the apples, but in the leaves, with their subtle imperfections and textures. The technique involves layering thin washes of pigment, building up depth and form gradually. This process demands patience and precision, as each layer affects the final appearance. There is a sense of direct observation, evident in the way light plays across the surfaces, revealing subtle shifts in color and tone. In its quiet way, this simple painting speaks to the value of mindful labor and attention, virtues that are too often lost in our mass-produced world. It encourages us to appreciate the skill and effort involved in creating even the simplest of things, challenging the artificial distinctions between high art and craft.