Still Life with Pansies, 1892

About the Work

Modest, demure and pure: that is how the popular saying describes violets, the genus to which pansies also belong. Arranged in several clay pots, they stretch their heads in all directions. The light from above allows for an atmospheric interplay of light and shade, which together with the monochrome background creates an intimate setting. Instead of getting lost in the details, Fantin-Latour uses flat brushstrokes to create a remarkably lively flower arrangement. His flower still lifes are among the loveliest of his time.