Still Life with Flowers
Artist: Paul Gauguin
Year: 1891
Eugene Henri Paul Gauguin was a French painter with a post-Impressionist style influenced by Picasso, Matisse, and more. His work often contained symbolism like primitive art. He was born in 1848 and was ahead of his time. His fame didn't come until after his death, which occurred in 1903.
1954 Commentary by John Rewald:
TOGETHER WITH LANDSCAPES, still lifes had played an important role in Gauguin’s early years as a painter. They were favorite subjects especially during rainy days or in the winter months when work outside was impossible. But in Tahiti the artist apparently was less tempted by them. However, he succumbed from time to time to the enchantment of sparkling bouquets rich in shapes and colors unknown to the European gardener. He assembled these exotic flowers in earthen pots which he had made himself, and delighted in depicting their freshness and glory. If there is still an echo of Cezanne’s influence (Cezanne frequently assembled his still lifes on a chest similar to the one that appears on Gauguin’s canvas), there is also in the richness of the coloration a hint of Redon’s magic pastels of flowers. But while Redon often invented the forms of the lovely blossoms which he brought together so skillfully, Gauguin endeavored to remain close to nature which offered him such enticing models. Here he could use color freely and establish lively contrasts which seemed governed by sheer hazard, though his bouquets were arranged with loving care.
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