Etruscan Vase with Flowers
Original title: Etruscan Vase with Flowers
kurzbeschreibung
Odilon Redon painted 'Etruscan Vase with Flowers' between 1900 and 1910. This tempera on canvas, measuring 81.3 by 59.1 cm, shows an ancient vase overflowing with a rich bouquet.
Description
A vessel with an abundant cluster of blooms anchors the image, while leaves and flowers in blue, orange, and brown settle around it—ranging from simple petals to intricately layered forms. To the side lie feathers and foliage that might suggest a bird. The ground above feels rough and grainy, in warm browns with golden accents, lending a rustic, rural quality. Bold colors and visible brushstrokes reveal the handmade touch. Left and right of the vase, elements are arranged symmetrically, holding the gaze at the center.
Context
Redon painted this work in a late phase when floral painting grew increasingly important to him. The motif of the Etruscan vase connects to his interest in early cultures, which appears in other works as well. At the same time, the painting marks a turning point: away from symbolist black-and-white art toward vividly colored images.
Impact
The eye is immediately drawn to the luminous colors, which feel almost physical thanks to the rough surface. The symmetrical arrangement and the warm brown-gold of the ground convey calm and balance, inviting the viewer to linger.
Technique
The picture is executed in tempera on canvas, a method Redon often used in his later years. The pastose handling remains visible, giving the work a tangible depth of color matter.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)