Flore 1913

Louise Abbéma's 'Flore' is a scene of dreamy elegance painted with soft colours. Imagine Abbéma at her easel, layering delicate strokes of pink, lavender, and cream to conjure this vision of beauty. Look how lightly the paint skims the canvas, like the touch of a butterfly's wing. You can almost feel the breeze rustling through the flowers. What was she thinking, painting this? Maybe of Botticelli? The figure's outstretched arms evoke an image of graceful openness, but the butterfly on her finger also suggests control, and the artist's control too. I wonder if the work is self-portraiture? Abbéma was a contemporary of Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassatt. I like to think of them all visiting each other’s studios, gossiping, and arguing about art. Painters are always in conversation, riffing off of each other, borrowing ideas, and pushing boundaries. Abbéma’s Flore reminds us that painting is not just about what we see, but how we feel, dream, and imagine. It's like a dance between the artist, the painting, and us.