134. Peonies by Ruud van den Berg

About "134. Peonies"

by Ruud van den Berg

About the artwork

The digital artwork Peonies shows a carefully composed still life that combines classical elements with subtle contemporary touches. At the centre are deep red peonies, in full bloom, their lush petals packed together in a crystal-clear glass vase. The vase itself is decorated with delicate patterns that refract and reflect light in complex ways, making playful shimmers dance across the surface. To the left, in front of the vase, is a somewhat kitschy porcelain figurine of a peasant girl sitting on a seat. Her smile and coloured costume add a nostalgic, slightly humorous element to the composition.
The ensemble rests on a round paper rug, whose lacy cut-outs are visible under the vase and figurine. This rug rests on a sleek dark grey sideboard, on which the shadow of the vase is projected sharply and clearly. The background is formed by a neutral plastered wall, which not only provides a calm base but also subtly catches the contours of the vase and flowers in soft shadows.
The lighting in the work is diffuse but focused; the light seems to come from the left, leaving the right side of the objects lightly shaded. This fusion of light, shadow and reflection creates an intimate atmosphere in which the flowers' rich colours are shown off to their best advantage. Peony evokes feelings of domesticity, nostalgia and quiet wonder, while the interplay between realism and slight kitsch lends the work a quirky charm.

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Finished on: 15 November 2023