Twee chrysanten 1887 - 1931

Frans Everbag painted these chrysanthemums in watercolor, and it’s all about the delicate process of layering washes to build up form. I love how the white petals against the dark background seem to glow, almost as if they’re illuminated from within. If you look closely, you can see the subtle gradations of color in the petals and leaves, which gives them a sense of depth and volume, despite the flatness of the medium. It’s a real testament to Everbag’s skill with the brush. The petals almost look like thin strokes of ink. The shadows are soft and muted, and the overall effect is one of tranquility and stillness, it reminds me of the work of Georgia O'Keefe. I'm left wondering, were they freshly picked, or had they been sitting a while? The lack of fixed meaning is something that gives a piece like this its power.