Who painted Water Lilies?

Water Lilies was painted by Paul Lacroix in 1865.

Where can I see Water Lilies?

Water Lilies is held by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

What movement is Water Lilies?

Water Lilies is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Water Lilies

Paul Lacroix , 1865

Water Lilies is an unspecified painting by the Realist artist Paul Lacroix. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

About this work

Overview

Paul LaCroix’s 1865 oil painting titled Water Lilies depicts a tranquil pond scene. The composition centers on two white blossoms, their petals unfurled and yellow cores bright against a deep, shadowy water surface. Subtle green foliage peeks from beneath the flowers, while muted vegetation crowns the background, creating a calm, reflective atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The work focuses on the delicate beauty of water lilies, using their simple forms to evoke a sense of quiet contemplation. The contrast between the luminous flowers and the surrounding darkness suggests a meditation on light emerging from obscurity, inviting viewers to pause and consider the fleeting elegance of nature.

Technique & Style

LaCroix employs a chiaroscuro approach, balancing strong tonal contrasts to model the lilies and water. The dark background absorbs light, while the bright petals are rendered with fine brushwork that captures translucency. This handling of light and shadow enhances the three‑dimensional quality of the blossoms and deepens the overall mood of serenity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1865, Water Lilies entered the collection of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where it remains on display. The painting’s acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on American artists of the 19th century, preserving LaCroix’s contribution to the period’s landscape tradition.

Context

The mid‑19th century saw American painters exploring natural subjects with heightened attention to atmosphere and light. LaCroix’s work aligns with this trend, drawing on European influences such as the Romantic emphasis on mood while maintaining a distinctly American sensibility in its depiction of local flora.