Artwork
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums is a chalk drawing by the Impressionist artist Emile Schuffenecker. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Emile Schuffenecker’s drawing titled Chrysanthemums dates from around 1894. Executed on gray laid paper, the work combines black chalk and charcoal, with areas of white chalk applied to heighten contrast. The composition presents a study of the flower, rendered in a monochromatic palette that emphasizes form and tonal variation.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a layered approach, beginning with charcoal and black chalk to establish the basic structure of the chrysanthemums.
The artist employed a layered approach, beginning with charcoal and black chalk to establish the basic structure of the chrysanthemums. Subsequent highlights in white chalk were added to accentuate light and volume, creating a subtle three‑dimensional effect on the textured surface of the laid paper. The drawing reflects Schuffenecker’s interest in drawing as a means of exploring line, shade, and the interplay of darkness and light.
Context
Created in the mid‑1890s, Chrysanthemums aligns with a period when Schuffenecker, a contemporary of Paul Gauguin, was focusing on drawing as an independent medium. The work demonstrates his engagement with botanical subjects, a common motif among artists seeking to investigate natural forms through simplified, tonal studies.
Artist & collection
