The artwork, titled “Vase of Peonies on a Small Pedestal,” was created by the artist Édouard Manet in 1864 in Paris, France. This oil on canvas piece belongs to the Realism art movement and measures 93 x 70 cm. Representing the still life genre, the artwork is currently housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
In this composition, Manet meticulously depicts a collection of peonies displayed in a delicate vase set upon a small pedestal. The peonies, in shades of rich red and soft white, are surrounded by lush green foliage, demonstrating the artist’s keen attention to botanical details. One can observe fallen petals and peonies on the pedestal, adding a sense of naturalism and fleeting beauty to the scene. The background remains unobtrusive, drawing the viewer’s focus entirely to the lush and vivid portrayal of the flowers. The realism and harmony in the arrangement emphasize Manet’s mastery in capturing both the elegance and ephemerality of nature.
