Throughout art history, flowers have been one of the most beloved subjects for painters.
From 17th-century Dutch still-life paintings to Japanese woodblock prints,flower arthas a long and storied history.
There’s a timeless sense of joy, hope, or even moroseness that paintings of flowers can evoke.
This slowly began to change through the 16th and 17th centuries, with the Dutch leading the way.
Clearly, his work sparked a trend that has lasted throughout art history.
She was able to invent her own style and enjoyed a 60-year career painting botanical imagery.
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She broke from tradition and createdasymmetrical compositionswith her painted bouquets, which made for more dynamic artwork.
He, like many famous artists before and after, dabbled in many different genres, including still-life paintings.
According to the Japanese language of flowers, also known ashanakotoba, the word for hibiscus means gentle.
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These flowers are given as a social custom meant to greet visitors.
Hiroshige’s 1845Hibiscusis one of many times he depicted the flower in his color woodblock prints.
Breaking with tradition, he not only painted bouquets in vases but also flowers scattered loosely on tables.
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His free, dynamic brushwork made him a pivotal figure betweenRealismandImpressionismgive his painted flowers a compelling, ephemeral feel.
According toChristie’s, Manet often used these paintings as small gifts for friends.
But we’re partial toStill Life with Irises, which highlights the artist’s interesting use of color.
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The painting is one of two versions.
This allowed him to create flower paintings that have a tactile quality and energy that radiate from the canvas.
It is this synthesis of natural beauty and harmonious regularity which lends the work its profoundly moving quality.
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With this iconic series, the Impressionist genius gives a masterclass inen plein airpainting.
But he wasn’t afraid to bring his own contemporary touch to his still-life painting.
The watercolor is a wonderful balance between painterly qualities and color while breaking away from Impressionism.
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Gone is the precise table and background setting so prominent in early Dutch still lifes.
Instead, Redon creates space using gradients of pastel color.
His blooms move from precise, detailed renderings to more abstract petals that make the entire painting dynamic.
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Flower painting was serious business for Redon and he enjoyed it immensely.
This particular piece, simply titledRed Canna, is a study in contrasts.
It features the vibrant red and orange bloom set against a green and blue background.
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The juxtaposition makes the flower light up within the composition.
O’Keeffe was a gardener with a deep love of flowers.
In painting them, she wanted others to experience blooms in a new way.
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I will make even busy New-Yorkers take time to see what I see of flowers.
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Photo: viaWikiArt(Public domain)
Photo: viaWikiArt(Public domain)
Georgia O’Keeffe, “Red Canna,” 1919 (Photo: High Museum of Art viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
