Cornflowers 

Stefan Luchian made this painting, Cornflowers, using oil on canvas in Romania. Luchian’s Post-Impressionist style allowed him to depict the Romanian landscape and still life in a unique way. Luchian helped found the Romanian artistic society called "Ileana," which encouraged young Romanian artists to pursue their own styles while rejecting academic conventions. He was an advocate for artistic freedom and expression at a time when traditional artistic norms were still dominant in Romanian society. Luchian's art also reflects the social and economic realities of Romania at the time. His paintings often depict the lives of ordinary people, showcasing their struggles and triumphs. As a historian, I look at the role of artistic societies such as ‘Ileana’ and how they provide a platform for progressive artists to challenge established norms. Through archival research, we can learn how artists like Luchian helped shape the cultural landscape of their time.