Stairs with Flower Boxes in Wiesbaden - Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande

A delicate pastel study by Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande, depicting a quiet entrance in Wiesbaden with floral arrangements and figures visible through a glass door.

This work by Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande, dated 11 August 1915, captures a quiet domestic moment in Wiesbaden. The composition focuses on a set of stone steps leading to a building entrance, flanked by overflowing flower boxes. The artist uses soft, textured strokes of pastel to render the foliage, creating a contrast between the structured architecture and the organic forms of the plants.

Through the glass doors, two figures are visible seated at a table. Their presence adds a narrative quality to the scene, suggesting a private interior space sheltered from the exterior garden. The artist, known primarily for his etchings and mastery of light, demonstrates here a sensitive approach to colour and atmosphere. The palette relies on muted tones for the building facade, which allows the brighter hues of the flowers to draw the eye. The work is executed on a warm-toned paper, which remains visible in the unworked areas, providing a cohesive base for the composition.

Storm van 's-Gravesande was a Dutch artist who travelled extensively throughout Europe. His work often reflects a keen observation of his surroundings, whether in urban settings or rural retreats. This particular piece, preserved within a sketchbook or album, offers an intimate glimpse into his practice. The handling of the pastel medium is light and suggestive, prioritising the overall mood of the afternoon over rigid detail. The perspective is direct, inviting the viewer to stand at the base of the steps and observe the scene as the artist did during his stay in Germany.