Artwork
Guelder Roses and the Venus of Milo
Guelder Roses and the Venus of Milo is an unspecified painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Édouard Vuillard. It dates from 1905 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Guelder Roses and the Venus of Milo, painted by Édouard Vuillard in 1905, exemplifies his post-Impressionist work following the dissolution of Les Nabis. This piece combines still-life with classical allusion, featuring guelder roses alongside a reference to the Venus de Milo, characteristic of Vuillard's decorative and interior-focused style.
Subject & Meaning
The painting juxtaposes everyday domesticity with ancient Greek art, as guelder roses in a vase share the composition with a small statue of the Venus de Milo. This contrast blends the mundane with the iconic, inviting reflection on the coexistence of natural beauty and artistic representation.
Technique & Style
Vuillard employed his distinctive approach of flattened color planes and patterns, influenced by Japanese prints. The flowers and vase are rendered in loose, expressive brushstrokes with vivid colors, while the background remains subdued, focusing attention on the central still-life.
History & Provenance
Created in 1905, after Vuillard's departure from Les Nabis, the painting is now part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Édouard Vuillard (French: ; 11 November 1868 – 21 June 1940) was a French painter, decorative artist, and printmaker.
