PO bcs 28 1912 Dasse Patrick van der Strict

Here we see a depiction of a large automobile, rendered in a stylized and somewhat flattened perspective characteristic of early 20th-century illustration. The vehicle dominates the composition, its size emphasized by the surrounding space. Its color is muted – a pale blue-green – which contributes to an overall sense of formality and restrained elegance. A man in military attire occupies the driver’s seat; his posture suggests authority and control. Several other figures are visible within the cars interior, their expressions unreadable, adding a layer of anonymity to the scene.
The setting is ambiguous. The ground beneath the vehicle is rendered in shades of orange and peach, contrasting with the stark white background that extends beyond the immediate foreground. A diagonal line suggests a pathway or road, leading away from the viewer’s perspective. A small potted plant containing pink flowers sits near the edge of this path, its presence introducing a touch of domesticity and perhaps a subtle contrast to the mechanical nature of the automobile.
A dog stands attentively beside the flower pot, seemingly focused on the vehicle. Its posture conveys alertness and a potential sense of anticipation or even apprehension. The placement of the dog, slightly removed from the main action but still engaged with it, creates a visual link between the natural world and the technological advancement represented by the car.
The composition’s arrangement suggests a narrative – a journey about to begin or perhaps one recently concluded. The formality of the figures within the vehicle, combined with the stylized rendering and limited color palette, evokes a sense of order and societal structure. The overall impression is one of restrained luxury and an era defined by technological progress and burgeoning social hierarchies.