Trandafiri Roz 

Nina Arbore painted "Trandafiri Roz," or "Pink Roses," in Romania, but the exact date is unknown. Arbore was part of a generation of early 20th-century Romanian women artists pushing against social conventions. Still life painting was considered an appropriately feminine subject, but Arbore's treatment of the roses, especially the vibrant color palette, adds an unexpected boldness. The pink of the roses contrasts against the cool tones of the blue-checked cloth behind them. There is a post-impressionist feel, particularly in the unblended brushstrokes and the flattening of the pictorial space. Arbore studied art in Paris, so she probably would have seen similar works being made there. Historians often research exhibition records, artist biographies, and period publications to understand the context in which an artwork was created. By looking at the history of art institutions and the social dynamics of the time, we can better understand how art both reflects and shapes cultural values.