The artwork “Nasturtiums & dahlias in a basket” is an oil on canvas painting by Paul Gauguin, created in 1884 while in Amagerbro, Copenhagen, Denmark. Gauguin’s piece is classified within the Impressionism movement, and it falls under the genre of still life. Presently, the artwork is housed at the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway, where it continues to be admired by art enthusiasts and the general public.
The artwork portrays a robust and colorful arrangement of blossoms, including the vivid nasturtiums and luxuriant dahlias, nestled in a rustic woven basket. The blooms are depicted with an array of dynamic brushstrokes, characteristically impressionistic, which lend the flowers a sense of vibrancy and depth. The background suggests a tactile surface, its composition comprised of vertical strokes and a soft, muted palette, offering a stark contrast to the lively colors of the flowers. The basket rests on a surface that is realized through horizontal brushstrokes, adding a textural dimension to the overall composition. A reflection or shadow of the floral arrangement is perceptible on the right side, contributing to the artwork’s sense of realism and spatial depth. The foreground includes what appears to be a small cluster of fruit, reinforcing the concept of a traditional still life. The play of light and color in this piece exemplifies Gauguin’s prowess in capturing the transient effects of light, a hallmark of the Impressionist style.
