Pioenen

Verster painted a number of monumental floral still lifes between 1888 and 1893. His Pioenen (Peonies) is the only one with an elongated horizontal format. The position of the dark glass jar to the left of the picture makes this composition clearly asymmetrical. The bouquet, which consists of pink peonies and autumn leaves, forms a natural, casually arranged unit, which is interrupted by the edges of the picture at several points. Verster felt that there was a particular beauty in the stage of decay. These flowers are obviously past their best. Some of the drooping and withered flowers form a sharp contrast with the dark-green glass; others seem to merge with the background. On the bottom right, we see a few scattered petals. The green leaf at the front is already starting to shrivel, as can be seen from its curling edges. The painting shares with Impressionism not only its plain and unadorned character, but also its attention to light effects. Verster frequently experimented with light to reinforce the atmosphere of tranquillity and melancholy in his works.