April 12th 2025 | DAF

Hollyhocks | Jane Peterson, ca. 1925-1935

Something about this piece looks strangely modern despite being made a hundred years ago. I guess you could say it is timeless because there is a familiarity that looks like art made today yet this scene was captured a century ago.

I think it’s the fact that when I’m interpreting this as flowers growing against concrete when in reality, this is most likely intended to be red and pink flowers blooming in front of an undefined blank background. I am quite certain both concrete and flowers existed in the early 20th century, but for some reason them being paired together seems like a concept that would be used by a 2012 bride trying to do something different. I mean this all with good intentions. The composition and painting is beautifully done and I could never create something that compares. I’m wrong, the artist is better than me in all ways. I’m just sharing thoughts.