Artwork
Dinner Service (Rousseau service): Flowers (no. 22)
Dinner Service (Rousseau service): Flowers (no. 22) is a print by the Impressionist artist Félix Bracquemond. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Flowers (no.
About this work
The branches twist and turn, filling every corner with different plants—some look delicate, others thick and leafy.
This drawing is all black lines on a light background, packed with flowers, leaves, and tiny bugs. The branches twist and turn, filling every corner with different plants—some look delicate, others thick and leafy. A few birds and insects are scattered in, making the scene feel alive.
The artist focused on tiny details, like the veins in leaves or the shape of petals. This was made in 1866, when artists were starting to study nature closely.
Next, look up Félix Bracquemond to see how he blended realism with decorative art.
Overview
Flowers (no. 22) is a detailed drawing from Félix Bracquemond's Dinner Service (Rousseau service), created in 1866. Composed of intricate black lines on a light background, the work showcases a dense arrangement of flora, fauna, and tiny creatures.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is an abundant, lifelike floral composition, incorporating twisted branches, varied plant species, birds, and insects. The emphasis on naturalistic details, such as leaf veins and petal shapes, reflects the emerging trend of close observation of nature during this period.
Technique & Style
Bracquemond's technique features meticulous black line work, achieving depth and texture through varying line weights and densities. The style blends realism, evident in the detailed rendering of natural elements, with decorative sensibilities, suited for a dinner service design.
History & Provenance
Created in 1866, the work is part of a larger project, the Rousseau service. It is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Context
Flowers (no. 22) was produced during a time when artists increasingly focused on naturalistic observation. Bracquemond's approach in this work exemplifies his ability to merge meticulous realism with decorative art principles.
Artist & collection
Artist
Félix Henri Bracquemond (French pronunciation: ; 22 May 1833 – 29 October 1914) was a French painter, etcher, and printmaker.
Dinner Service (Rousseau service): Flowers and Insects (no. 15)
Dinner Service (Rousseau service): Flowers (no. 23)
Dinner Service (Rousseau service): Swallow, Rooster and Flowers (no. 8)
Dinner Service (Rousseau service): Roosters, skate, plants, etc. (no. 9)
Dinner Service (Rousseau service): Ducks, fish, etc. (no. 12)
Dinner Service (Rousseau service): Butterflies and Fish (no. 16)
Dinner Service (Rousseau service): Rooster and morning glories (no. 25)
Dinner Service (Rousseau service): Pheasants and bird (no. 18)
Dinner Service (Rousseau service): Fish (no. 24)