The artwork titled “Flowers in a glass vase,” attributed to the artist John Constable, dates back to circa 1814. It is a flower painting executed in oil on cardboard, embodying the aesthetic ethos of Romanticism. The piece measures 50.3 by 33 cm in dimensions.
The artwork presents a theatrical display of various flowers carefully assembled within a transparent glass vase. The composition captures the delicate interplay of light and color, common thematic elements of the Romantic period that sought to emphasize emotion and individual experience over strict adherence to classical forms. The bouquet is a medley of blooms in a spectrum of colors, ranging from vivid reds and yellows to subtle blues and greens. Hints of petals and foliage are scattered outside the vase, resting on what appears to be a dark surface, which adds a sense of vibrancy and impermanence to the scene.
Constable’s handling of light, shadow, and texture in the artwork creates a three-dimensional effect, and the flowers’ organic shapes contrast provocatively against the structured form of the vase. The soft brushstrokes and attention to details such as the translucency of the vase suggest not only an appreciation for the natural beauty of the flora but also for the sensory experiences they evoke. The mood of the painting is one of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect on the transient nature of life, a theme often explored by artists within the Romantic movement.