The artwork “Bouquet of Violets in a Vase” was crafted by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1882. This oil on panel painting, measuring 24 by 19 centimeters, is housed at the Dallas Museum of Art in Dallas, Texas, USA. As part of the Post-Impressionism movement, the genre of the work is classified as still life.
The artwork presents a small, yet vigorous bouquet of violets resting in a simple vase. The brushstrokes are expressive, suggesting the quickness with which Toulouse-Lautrec captured the essence of his subject. The flowers are depicted using rich shades of blue and violet, and they are contrasted against the dark, almost somber, background. The darkened setting helps to accentuate the bold colors of the violets and the luminosity of the petals. The vase appears to be executed with loose, spontaneous strokes of whites, greens, and browns, giving it a rustic and informal quality. The light in the artwork focuses prominently on the bouquet itself, drawing the viewer’s attention to the natural beauty and delicate arrangement of the flowers.
