Blooming Clover, Jac van Looij, c. 1897
Van Looij made this study of a meadow filled with clover for a painting of a girl, Aaltje, lying in the grass. This close-up submerges us in nature and allows us – like Aaltje – to directly enjoy the flowers. Van Looij would continue on this path, making flowers his main subject, such as in Summer Luxuriance, the painting on the opposite wall.