Who painted Still Life with Flowers?

Still Life with Flowers was painted by Simon Saint-Jean in 1852.

Where can I see Still Life with Flowers?

Still Life with Flowers is held by Walters Art Museum.

What movement is Still Life with Flowers?

Still Life with Flowers is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of Still Life with Flowers?

Museum-quality prints of Still Life with Flowers are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Still Life with Flowers

Simon Saint-Jean , 1852

Still Life with Flowers is an oil painting by the Realist artist Simon Saint-Jean. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum. Created in 1852, this oil painting presents a carefully arranged still life of botanical elements.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1852, this oil painting presents a carefully arranged still life of botanical elements. Central to the composition is a large rose, flanked by smaller blossoms and a fern, all rendered with a muted dark background that accentuates their delicate colors. The work is part of the collection at the Walters Art Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The tableau combines a single rose with ancillary flowers and foliage, suggesting a modest celebration of natural beauty. The choice of white, pink, and yellow tones for the blossoms creates a gentle visual harmony, while the inclusion of the fern adds a touch of wildness, implying a balance between cultivated and untamed nature.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the artist employs chiaroscuro to model the petals and leaves, producing a three‑dimensional effect against the somber backdrop. Brushwork is soft yet precise, allowing subtle gradations of light that convey the translucency of the petals. The overall arrangement appears informal, as if the plants were placed spontaneously rather than in a rigid display.

History & Provenance

Simon Saint‑Jean, a French painter known for his still‑life subjects, completed the piece in the mid‑19th century. After changing hands among private collectors, it entered the Walters Art Museum’s holdings, where it remains accessible to the public as an example of the period’s interest in realistic botanical representation.