Dahlias in a copper vase 1885

Paul Gauguin painted 'Dahlias in a copper vase' using oil on canvas. The painting is composed of the copper vase at its centre, filled with dahlias which are painted with a range of colours. Their arrangement creates a harmonious yet slightly chaotic composition, mirroring the dynamism of nature itself. Gauguin’s brushwork is visibly textured, a characteristic of the Post-Impressionist style, adding depth and vitality to the blooms and the copper vase. The dahlias, are rendered with thick, impasto strokes, that give a tactile quality, almost as if you could reach out and touch their petals. The artwork reflects the Post-Impressionist break from the Impressionists, emphasizing the artist's subjective vision over a mere imitation of reality. The painting does not merely represent flowers, but embodies Gauguin's personal and emotional engagement with his subject. The painting’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer a window into the artist’s internal world.