Band voor een album voor Prof. Hugo de Vries 1918

This is a book cover created by an anonymous artist, possibly around 1918, as a commemorative piece for Professor Hugo de Vries. The cover presents a window into the cultural reverence for scientific figures at the time, particularly de Vries, a botanist known for his mutation theory of evolution. The design, with its symmetrical framing and stylized floral motifs, evokes a sense of honor. The dates "1848-1918" suggest a tribute to de Vries's life and work, set against the backdrop of a world undergoing rapid transformation through scientific discovery. It makes me think of the era’s complex relationship with science, caught between optimism and anxiety about the future. The anonymous nature of the artist invites us to think about the collaborative dimensions of celebrating scientific achievement and the shared cultural values it reflects. It reminds us that our understanding of the world is shaped by collective experiences.