“Still Life Vase with Zinnias,” created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, exemplifies the Post-Impressionism art movement. This flower painting, executed in oil on canvas, is located in the Basil P. and Elise Goulandris Collection in Lausanne, Switzerland, where it embodies the unique vibrancy and emotional depth characteristic of Van Gogh’s work.
The artwork showcases a vase brimming with zinnias, rendered in vivid hues that stand out against a dark background. The flowers, painted with expressive brushstrokes, exhibit a rich palette of yellows, whites, blues, and reds, contrasted against the deep greens and blacks of the vase and the background. The vase itself, adorned with intricate patterns, rests on a vibrant red surface that adds a further dimension of intensity to the composition. Van Gogh’s technique captures the dynamic and somewhat turbulent beauty of the flowers, reflecting his profound emotional engagement with his subject matter. The interplay of light and shadow, coupled with the textured application of paint, highlights the artist’s distinctive style and his contribution to the Post-Impressionism movement.
