Vase of Flowers 

Jean David created this ‘Vase of Flowers’ using oil on canvas. The artist was part of the ‘School of Paris’, a group of émigré artists working between the two World Wars. David, like many of his contemporaries, arrived in Paris as a Jewish refugee fleeing the rise of fascism, thus situating him outside of mainstream French society. His art can be seen in light of a longing for acceptance, safety and belonging. The flowers in the vase might be considered a traditional still life, yet the browns and subdued blues lend it a melancholic air. Is this David’s expression of hope for assimilation, or a somber acknowledgement of his outsider status? Consider how David, as a Jewish artist in Paris, may have approached the tradition of still life painting, perhaps imbuing it with a sense of vulnerability and resilience. This painting offers a perspective on how personal and historical circumstances can shape artistic expression.