Bouquet in a Chinese Vase

Odilon Redon

Created:
Movement:
1916
Symbolism
key Notes:
Symbolic floral arrangement, vibrant color palette.
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Dimensions:
25 1/2 x 19 5/8 in. (64.8 x 49.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Bouquet in a Chinese Vase" is a painting by French Symbolist artist Odilon Redon, created around 1912–14. The work exemplifies Redon's interest in color and form, showcasing a vibrant arrangement of flowers in a decorative Chinese vase. This period of Redon's career is characterized by a shift towards more vivid colors and a focus on floral subjects. The painting reflects his fascination with nature and the interplay between reality and imagination. Redon's use of a Chinese vase may indicate his appreciation for Eastern aesthetics, which were popular among European artists at the time. The exact provenance of the painting is not well-documented, and its current location is held in a private collection. Redon's work, including this painting, is often associated with themes of dream and spirituality, contributing to the broader Symbolist movement.

Description of the work:

"Bouquet in a Chinese Vase" by Odilon Redon, created circa 1912–14, features a vibrant arrangement of flowers rendered in oil on canvas. The composition is dominated by a richly colored bouquet, showcasing a variety of blooms that exhibit a range of hues, including deep reds, bright yellows, and soft whites. The flowers are depicted with a sense of fluidity and movement, emphasizing their organic forms. The Chinese vase, characterized by its intricate patterns and bold colors, serves as a contrasting backdrop to the floral arrangement. The overall palette is lush and saturated, contributing to a dreamlike quality that is typical of Redon's work. The background is rendered in softer tones, allowing the bouquet to emerge as the focal point of the piece. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth to the composition, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the flowers and the vase. The painting exemplifies Redon's interest in color and form, reflecting his Symbolist tendencies while also embracing a more decorative approach.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Bouquet in a Chinese Vase