The artwork, “Vase of Flowers on a Red Tablecloth,” created by Odilon Redon around the year 1900, is an oil painting on canvas that adheres to the realism art movement. The piece measures 64.7 cm by 49.2 cm and depicts the genre of flower painting. Initially held in a private collection, the artwork showcases Redon’s delicate and nuanced approach to still life.
The artwork presents a bouquet of flowers arranged in a dark vase, positioned on a table draped with a vivid red tablecloth which contrasts sharply against a muted, almost monochromatic background. The vase itself is rendered with a sense of solidity and weight, and its green coloration stands out in the composition, harmonizing with the greenery of the foliage interspersed with the flowers. Redon has captured a variety of floral species, their colors ranging from deep reds to soft whites and bold blues, all of which contribute to a vibrant central focus.
Redon’s brushwork varies throughout the painting, with some areas displaying precise detail, particularly in the depiction of individual petals and leaves, and other areas utilizing broader, less defined strokes, as seen in the tablecloth and background. The interplay of light and shadow gives depth to the bouquet and adds a three-dimensional quality to the vase and its contents. Despite its realism, there is an impressionistic feel to the way light and color are handled, as well as a certain softness that is characteristic of Redon’s work during this period.
The scene conveys a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, inviting contemplation from the viewer. The intimate scale of the piece allows for a personal connection with the subject matter, elevating the simple scene of a vase of flowers to a work imbued with a rich visual and emotional texture.