Flowers 1915

Henry Lyman Saÿen made this painting, Flowers, at an undetermined date, using dynamic brushstrokes and a playful color palette. There's a real sense of process here. Looking closely, you can see how Saÿen built up the image with layers of color. The paint isn't too thick, but it has a lovely texture, especially where the pinks and yellows of the flowers sit against the dark blues of the background. Notice that intriguing blue monkey on the vase, rendered in simple, confident strokes. It feels like a symbol or a personal emblem that gives the whole painting a touch of whimsy and depth. Saÿen's work reminds me of Marsden Hartley, both artists exploring the edges of representation with a similar kind of raw energy. I love how this piece embraces a certain ambiguity, inviting us to bring our own interpretations to the table.