The artwork titled “Flowers and Japanese book” was created by the artist Paul Gauguin in the year 1882 in Paris, France. Crafted using the medium of oil on canvas, the piece is an exemplification of the Impressionist movement, characterized by its still life genre. This painting is currently housed in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen, Denmark, where it contributes to the museum’s collection of fine art.
The painting depicts a vibrant and textural arrangement of flowers placed in a stout vase, which rests on a yellow tabletop, suggestive of a warm, inviting light. The bouquet is full of various hues, including yellows, reds, and subtle pinks, capturing the inherent liveliness and delicacy of the blooms. Gauguin’s brushwork, typical of the Impressionist style, uses quick, visible strokes that give the composition a sense of immediacy and movement.
Beside the vase, a Japanese book lies closed on the table, its presence introducing a cultural element and evoking a sense of stillness that contrasts with the vitality of the flowers. The backdrop of the painting is composed of indistinct forms and muted colors, directing the viewer’s focus primarily toward the central subject of the flowers and the book. Overall, the artwork offers a contemplative scenario, inviting one to reflect on the beauty of simple, everyday objects through the lens of Gauguin’s Impressionist sensibilities.
