Artwork
Still Life with Flowers
Still Life with Flowers is an oil painting by Odilon Redon. It dates from 1905 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1905, this oil painting presents a vase filled with a modest bouquet rendered in vivid reds, blues, and whites, set against a muted brown backdrop.
Created in 1905, this oil painting presents a vase filled with a modest bouquet rendered in vivid reds, blues, and whites, set against a muted brown backdrop. The composition includes fluttering butterflies and other insects, suggesting a fleeting natural moment. The work is part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection and exemplifies Redon’s later turn toward color after his earlier monochrome period.
Subject & Meaning
The central focus is a floral arrangement accompanied by insects, a motif that invites contemplation of transience and the delicate balance between flora and fauna. By juxtaposing vivid petals with the fragile wings of butterflies, the painting hints at the ephemerality of beauty and the subtle interactions within a garden ecosystem.
Technique & Style
Redon employs a loose, expressive brushwork that leaves visible strokes, giving the surface a tactile quality. The palette combines saturated hues with softer earth tones, while the handling of light creates a gentle contrast between the bright flowers and the subdued background. This approach reflects his shift from earlier charcoal works to a more painterly, color‑rich language.
History & Provenance
The piece marks a period when Redon, formerly known for his monochromatic noirs, embraced oil and pastel media, solidifying his reputation within Symbolist circles. After its creation, the painting entered the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it remains on display as a representative example of his mature, color‑focused oeuvre.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Born Bertrand-Jean Redon on 20 April 1840 in Bordeaux, the artist adopted the name Odilon from his mother, Marie-Odile.
