For myriad centuries, artists have captured the intricate beauty of vegetative and creaturely organisms. How has the natural world influenced artists differently? From the 1600’s to present day, many different styles of expressing deep connection to nature have made their debut. Within this exhibition there are many complex interpretations of the beauty of the natural world. Many artists found interest in the anatomical structure of organisms, while others reflected on the rich colorful display they provided. Artists like Otto Marseus van Schrieck sought to depict the unique and rarely captured relationships between forest floor creatures. This is a prime example of beauty captured in the creatures regarded as “unsavory” or “insignificant”. Incredibly, artists are able to take the least-adored aspects of nature and produce works of intricate beauty and warmth. Artists have assumed very different positions regarding how accurately they wish to depict either vegetation or animal subject matter.
Regardless of their search for accuracy, all of these artists have a common connection, they each bore a tether to nature and its widely interpreted beauty. From still life-vases filled with innumerable species, to intricate ecosystems on the forest floor, the natural world has been a major example of multifaceted beauty and meaning.
Otto Marseus van Schrieck, Still Life with Poppy, Insects, and Reptiles
1670
Medium: Oil on canvas
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
This work by Van Schrieck depicts a bright blooming poppy amidst a diverse population of creatures. The bright red petals of the poppy contrast nicely with the white wings of each butterfly and each shiny scale on the ground-dwelling snake. This piece is a beautiful display of finding beauty not only in the science behind ecological relationships, but also in the complexity and multifaceted attributes of the natural world. This painting proclaims the evocation of fascination concerning the vegetation fauna surrounding us.
Jean-Baptiste Oudry, Ducks Resting in Sunshine, 1753
Medium: Oil on canvas
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
This depiction of ducks surrounded by vegetation is a beautiful example of the diverse appreciation of the natural world. Here, ducks are seen relaxing in a sunny patch of earth encompassed by towering trees. Long sprigs of grass outline the ducks' sanctuary and soft, beige dirt lines their bed. This painting refers back to the multifaceted beauty that can be seen within nature. Although cozy ducks amongst flourishing trees may not be seen as the most stunning depiction to some, it was pleasurable and beautiful subject matter to this artist.
Pierre Henri de Valenciennes, Study of Trees and Bushes, est. 1789
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
This piece depicts the detailed aspects of shrubs and saplings. As its title states, it is a study of these living organisms. This vegetation was captured in order to educate the artist and its audience. In this way, these bushes and trees depict knowledge centered beauty and complexity. The perspective in which one would paint or view artworks for study reflects a deep love for the subject matter and the beauty within its attainable information.
Jan van Kessel, Butterflies, Caterpillars, Other Insects, and Flowers, 1659
Medium: Oil on copper
High Museum of Art
Here, the subject matter is individual organisms taken out of their contexts in order to observe their anatomical features in detail. This painting displays the beauty within structure, anatomy, and biology. Each organism displays beauty in unique ways. The butterflies have complex wing patterns, the caterpillars display the flexibility of their soft composition, while the flowers capture the delicate colors of morning time. This painting is unique in that it focuses on scientific accuracy whilst also portraying the beauty and intricacy in which even the smallest, most frail members of the ecosystem function.
Thomas Fearnley, Study of Water and Plants, 1837
Medium: Oil on paper, laid down on wood
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
This piece is another riveting example of study that is focused on complexity and the beauty within intricately functioning organisms. This depiction shows the serene ecosystem thriving by the water. Small vegetative species and flowers grow together in harmony whilst gentle water flows beside. The subject matter is not only vastly intricate, but also delicately depicted in order to maintain beauty and accuracy. Fearnley shows a deep love for nature and preserves its intimate ecological connections all in one.
Designed by Arthur Irwin Hennessey and Decorated by Sarah Tutt, Vase with plants
1910–15
Medium: Earthenware
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
This vase is an example of varying mediums being used to capture the beauty of natural life. Its intended purpose is much different than that of study, reflection, or amusement. Rather, this vase is within a broader collection of pottery made from women suffering from mental disorders. This medium was used to inspire comfort and healing within the individuals that interacted with clay and natural resources. This vase is a lovely example of beauty found within purpose. The purpose of decorating and depicting flowers not only for beauty but for healing.
References
- Leonhard, Karin. 2010. “Pictura’s Fertile Field: Otto Marseus Van Schrieck and the Genre of Sottobosco Painting.” Simiolus: Netherlands Quarterly for the History of Art 34 (2): 95–118. https://www.jstor.org/stable/20779999.
- Woodring, Carl. 1977. “Nature and Art in the Nineteenth Century.” PMLA 92 (2): 193–202. https://doi.org/10.2307/461940https://www.jstor.org/stable/461940.
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