Bouquet of flowers 

Raoul Dufy created this watercolour painting of a bouquet of flowers sometime during his career in France. While seemingly apolitical, we can see how the image reflects the changing social and cultural values of his time. Dufy made his name as a painter of modern life: regattas, horse races, and the fashionable bourgeoisie at leisure. This painting shows his joyful, decorative style. He flattened the space and used bright colors, which reflected an embrace of modern design. Dufy also worked as a commercial designer for textiles and ceramics, making his art part of everyday life. We can research the cultural history of floral painting, the changing status of the decorative arts, and the history of French design institutions in the 20th century. By studying these sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation of how this painting both reflected and shaped the values of its time.