Dahlias in a copper vase 1885

Paul Gauguin's "Dahlias in a Copper Vase" is a vibrant still life from 1885 that showcases the artist's bold use of color and expressive brushstrokes. The painting features a bouquet of dahlias in various hues, ranging from deep reds to soft pinks and whites, arranged in a copper vase that reflects the warm light illuminating the scene. The flowers appear to be at their peak bloom, yet a wilting dahlia on the table hints at the fleeting nature of beauty. The background is a hazy, impressionistic rendering of a wall, creating a sense of depth and allowing the flowers to stand out as the focal point of the composition. Gauguin's style, influenced by Symbolism and Japonisme, is evident in the simplified forms and the use of flat areas of color.