Dahlias et capucines à l’urne d’argent before 1906

Jacques-Émile Blanche created this oil painting of dahlias and nasturtiums in a silver urn, though the date of its creation is unknown. Blanche has paid great attention to the qualities of the materials depicted, from the reflective surface of the silver urn to the varied textures of the flower petals. You’ll notice how he uses brushstrokes to suggest the forms of the objects. The urn, likely mass-produced, would have been a common item in affluent households, reflecting the rise of consumer culture. Paintings like this were often commissioned by wealthy patrons as a display of their taste and status, but its apparent simplicity belies the skill involved in creating such realistic depictions. The choice of flowers and the elegant urn speaks to the artist’s and patron’s appreciation for beauty and refinement. By exploring the relationship between materials, making, and social context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the values and aspirations of the society in which this artwork was created, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.