The artwork “Still life. Vase with flowers on the window” created by Paul Gauguin in 1881 is a consummate example of the Impressionistic art movement. Painted in Paris, France, it is an oil on canvas piece with dimensions of 19 x 27 cm. The artwork falls within the still life genre and is currently housed in the Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France.
The artwork itself vividly encapsulates the quintessential charm of Impressionism through its vivacious application of paint and soft focus on the ambient effects of light. It depicts a vase replete with a vibrant bouquet of flowers, placed proudly upon a windowsill. In the foreground, a book rests casually against the fabric, inviting contemplation or hinting at a moment paused. Through the window, one can discern the blur of a pastoral setting, which complements the floral subject matter and suggests an interplay between interior tranquility and the life beyond. The juxtaposition of the natural beauty inside the vase and the world outside underscores a theme common in still life paintings: the contemplation of beauty and the passage of time. The brushstrokes are loose and expressive, typical of the Impressionist technique, capturing the fleeting quality of light and color with a dynamic and spirited touch.
