‘Old Apple Tree Blossoming’ dates from 1949. Charley had recently suffered a second stroke. She was partially paralysed and had difficulty speaking. With enormous will power, she attempted to work as much as possible and made a large series of still lifes of trees, plates, jugs, bottles and clogs. Many of her still lifes appear angular and stark, but ‘Old Apple Tree Blossoming’ is remarkably poetic and expressive. She was clearly inspired by the flower still lifes of Vincent van Gogh. Charley is well represented in the museum’s collection. Following the advice of H.P. Bremmer, Helene Kröller-Müller bought 41 paintings and several works on paper by the artist.
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