Italiaanse Majolicategels c. 1890 - 1922

Here are two designs for Italian majolica tiles by Johanna van de Kamer. It’s watercolor on paper, and the colors are muted: blues, browns, and greens, which gives the work a charming, folksy feel. Looking at these stylized florals and geometric shapes, I imagine Johanna hunched over her desk, carefully mixing her paints, trying out different color combinations, maybe humming a little tune to herself as she worked. Each brushstroke feels deliberate, each color choice thoughtful. I see the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement, with its emphasis on handmade beauty and simple, elegant design. The repeating patterns remind me of other decorative arts from this period, like wallpaper designs or textiles. Artists are always in conversation with each other, borrowing and riffing on ideas, creating something new and beautiful in the process. It’s like a visual game of telephone, where each artist adds their own unique voice to the mix.