Bouquet of Roses 1879

Henri Fantin-Latour made this image of roses using etching techniques. The monochrome print presents a collection of roses clustered in a vase, set against a subtly textured background. The tones transition from dark to light, modeling the roundness of the blooms and the curve of the glass. Latour was known for his flower paintings, but this work offers a study in contrasts. The tight composition brings into question traditional modes of representation. The varying densities of the etched lines create volume, and the gradations of light and dark render the form. The composition invites us to consider how the artist's marks come together to define the form and presence of each rose. Consider the formal construction of this piece: how line and tone work together, not just to depict, but to actively construct our perception and experience of the image. The print invites us to see beyond mere representation and consider the structures that shape our viewing.