Orchids 1923

Lovis Corinth painted this picture of orchids with oil on canvas, but we don’t know exactly when. It’s a juicy, painterly thing, where the brushstrokes declare themselves at every turn. The process feels really up front, like a conversation between Corinth and his materials. Look at the white impasto on the tablecloth. Each stroke is laid down thick and confident, creating texture you can almost feel. The blue stripes underneath peek through, adding a cool contrast to the warmth of the flowers. Then there's that vase. See how it’s not just a container but a collection of dabs and daubs in gray and green? It’s solid and transparent at the same time. The whole thing makes me think of Van Gogh’s still lifes, with their emotional intensity and bold brushwork. But Corinth brings his own kind of energy to the mix, making something that’s both familiar and totally new. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder right?