“The Pot of Geraniums” is a noteworthy work of art by the artist Odilon Redon, dating from around 1910. Executed in oil on canvas, the piece measures 63.5 by 48.9 centimeters and belongs to the genre of flower painting. Despite the categorization provided as Realism, it is important to note that Redon is more commonly associated with the Symbolist movement, and his works often possess a dreamlike, atmospheric quality. This particular painting is part of a private collection and showcases Redon’s subtle and evocative use of color and form.
The artwork presents a richly hued pot of flowering geraniums. The pot itself appears to be of a simple, well-worn terracotta material placed against a muted background which may suggest a wall or a similarly flat surface. There is a distinct contrast between the earthly tone of the pot and the vibrancy of the red geranium blooms, which are rendered with a degree of detail that draws the viewer’s attention. The leaves of the plant, with their varied shades of green and hints of yellow, display a natural, lifelike appearance and contribute to the overall balance and realism of the composition. The soft brushstrokes and ambient lighting lend the painting an introspective and somewhat impressionistic atmosphere, which is characteristic of Redon’s later works.