Flowers 1868

Frederic Bazille made this oil painting, titled 'Flowers', during the mid-19th century. The luscious surface of this canvas is built from strokes of oil paint, each carefully placed to conjure a feast for the eyes. The rich colors, textures, and forms of the flowers are carefully rendered in a way that attempts to rival nature itself. From the smooth curves of the porcelain vase, to the ruffled petals of the flowers, and the cool marble surface, Bazille shows his understanding of the inherent qualities of his materials, and his skill in handling them. This level of detail and mastery reflects a long tradition of academic painting, where artists would train for years to perfect their craft. Yet, as we look closer, we begin to see how this work also engages with questions of labor and class. The flowers and precious vase signal wealth and privilege, while the artist's own labor is on full display in the brushwork itself. Bazille’s painting is not merely a representation of beauty, but also a meditation on the value of materials, the skill of the artist, and the social context in which art is created.