Irissen 1892 - 1928

Curator: Welcome. Before us, we have "Irissen," an etching and engraving print made by Johannes Löhr sometime between 1892 and 1928. Editor: It possesses a kind of haunting delicacy. The wispy lines give the irises a spectral presence, as if they're fading from memory, or perhaps just struggling to emerge. Curator: Indeed, Löhr's masterful deployment of line is key. Observe how he uses cross-hatching to create depth and shadow, especially in the petals. The density of the lines conveys volume, giving the flowers form even with a limited palette. The light itself seems etched onto the paper. Editor: And etched indeed, but also perhaps constrained by its very form? Given its period, it makes me wonder about the role of women and nature, with the blooms feeling both fragile and yet, simultaneously, assertive. Irises are such complex flowers and might here symbolize multifaceted femininity. Curator: A compelling interpretation. From a purely formal perspective, the composition draws the eye directly to the heart of the central iris. Its detailed engraving contrasts with the sketchier depiction of those behind it, creating a focal point that exploits a beautiful sense of texture and visual hierarchy. Editor: Absolutely, yet thinking more broadly, floral art like this was so often about coding. These domestic spaces and the flowers within represented an aspiration—the middle classes, perhaps even their subjugation. I see both beauty and quiet revolution within the choice to fix and elevate the natural. Curator: That pushes us into a fascinating cultural narrative. What began for me as a beautiful study in composition becomes, through your lens, a potent commentary on social strata and perhaps Löhr’s implicit position within them. Editor: Precisely! It's about recognizing that even ostensibly ‘simple’ studies—like this graceful floral print—are interwoven with deeper cultural meanings. Curator: Thank you, this was an enlightening investigation. The interplay between formal beauty and societal messaging has broadened our appreciation greatly. Editor: And highlights the rich and often hidden layers of the natural world within art. We hope you enjoyed exploring these "Irissen" with us.