Peonies 

Emil Carlsen painted ‘Peonies’ in the United States, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. It’s an oil on canvas. Carlsen’s choice of subject and style reflects the tastes of a growing American middle class, who wanted paintings that were both beautiful and reassuring. The floral still life had become increasingly popular. It spoke to the cultural values of domesticity and refinement. Art institutions, such as academies and salons, played a key role in promoting this type of art. It’s interesting that Carlsen, who was born in Denmark, adopted this quintessentially American genre. His embrace of Impressionism also reflects a desire to appeal to the cosmopolitan tastes of wealthy collectors and museums. By researching exhibition records, collectors’ papers, and period journals, we can better understand the social forces that shaped Carlsen’s career and the art market of his time. The meaning of ‘Peonies’ is thus contingent on its historical context.