We’ve asked our social media followers to interpret their favorite artwork at the Cincinnati Art Museum. They sent us their thoughts and feelings about the work of art they chose. Each week, we will feature one interpretation here on our blog. Below is an interpretation of Maria van Oosterwijk’s Flower Still Life by Zan McQuade.

I never used to “get” still lifes, until I found Maria van Oosterwijck’s Flower Still Life. At first glance it’s just a simple painting of bright flowers in a vase. But on closer look, the most marvelous details appear: a dragonfly, a spider, butterflies, and flies, and, best of all, the windows of the artist’s studio reflected in the glass vase. This tiny detail, the dim, gray 17th century light captured in reflection, makes me wild about it. It’s like time travel. Every time I’m at the museum, I visit this painting just to see those windows.

-Zan McQuade

Do you have an interpretation you’d like to share? Send your #MyInterpretationMondayto [email protected] and we will feature your perspective on an upcoming Monday!*

*We may not be able to post all entries we receive due to volume of entries and/or copyright restrictions.