Artwork
Large Vase with Flowers
Large Vase with Flowers is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1912 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The artist's focus on the floral arrangement is evident in its prominent placement and vivid coloration, set against a subdued backdrop.
Odilon Redon's painting, Large Vase with Flowers, is an oil on canvas still life created around 1912. This work presents a substantial vase overflowing with an array of vibrant blossoms. The artist's focus on the floral arrangement is evident in its prominent placement and vivid coloration, set against a subdued backdrop. It exemplifies Redon's later period, characterized by a shift towards brighter palettes and naturalistic subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features an imposing vase filled to capacity with a diverse collection of flowers. These blooms are rendered with striking brightness and intensity, appearing almost tangible. Their lively presence is accentuated by the stark contrast with the dark, unadorned background, which serves to emphasize the botanical forms and their rich hues. The composition draws the viewer's attention directly to the floral abundance.
Technique & Style
Redon employed oil paint on canvas to achieve the distinctive visual qualities of Large Vase with Flowers. A notable aspect of his technique is the application of thick, layered paint, known as impasto, particularly for the flower petals. This method creates a tangible texture on the surface of the canvas, giving the blossoms a three-dimensional quality and making them appear to project from the picture plane.
History & Provenance
While specific early acquisition details are not provided, Large Vase with Flowers by Odilon Redon is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington. This institution houses a significant array of artworks, making it a key location for the study and appreciation of Redon's contributions to early 20th-century art.
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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.
