Geraniums and other Flowers in a Stoneware Vase 

Odilon Redon made this still life of geraniums and other flowers in a stoneware vase using oil on canvas. Redon’s still life invites us to consider the politics of imagery during the late 19th century in France. This was a time when the French bourgeoisie were asserting their power through the acquisition of luxury goods and the patronage of the arts. This image presents a domestic scene of flowers in a vase, a common subject in bourgeois art, yet Redon imbues it with a sense of mystery and ambiguity. The use of unconventional color combinations challenges the prevailing academic standards of the time. As historians, we can delve into the socio-political context in which Redon was working, and how institutions like the Salon shaped artistic production and reception. By exploring these themes, we can better understand the complex relationship between art and society.