Flowers 19th-20th century

Editor: This is "Flowers" by Denman Waldo Ross, an oil painting at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels very textural and immediate. What strikes you about it? Curator: Ross’s impressionistic style seems like more than just an aesthetic choice. Think about the context: Who had the leisure to appreciate floral beauty? Who had access to gardens? His work intersects with class and privilege. Editor: So, you're saying the painting style itself can be seen as a commentary? Curator: Precisely. The ephemeral nature of the brushstrokes mirrors the fleeting enjoyment of beauty, often accessible only to certain segments of society. What do you make of the color choices? Editor: The purples and greens are so vibrant. I guess I hadn't considered the social implications before. Thanks!