Broom and Other Spring Flowers in a Vase 1882

Henri Fantin-Latour painted "Broom and Other Spring Flowers in a Vase" with oil paint. He captured a modest bouquet with the naturalism of his era. Fantin-Latour was renowned for his flower paintings, which were keenly sought after by collectors. What makes them interesting is his attention to the material qualities of both paint and plant. Notice the visible brushstrokes building up the forms, and the balance between precision and looseness in the application of the pigment. He used a range of muted and blended tones to capture the velvety petals, and the subtle textures of the vase. Fantin-Latour treated these still-life subjects with great care, akin to portraiture, and was known to paint directly from the object. As such, the flowers reflect not only aesthetic considerations but also Fantin-Latour's social context, in which such objects became both luxury items and sources of national pride. This painting reminds us that even the most traditional subjects have a cultural story to tell.