Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Moss Roses in a Vase" is a captivating still life by the renowned French painter Edouard Manet. Created in 1882, towards the latter part of Manet's career, this painting exudes a delicate simplicity and an intimate charm that characterizes many of his smaller works. The painting features a modest glass vase filled with vibrant moss roses, a choice of flowers that effortlessly convey a sense of fragility and beauty.

The roses are arranged loosely, with their blooms varying in shades from soft whites and pale pinks to more intense reds, providing a lush spectrum of color that catches the eye. The petals are rendered with a sensitive touch, capturing the natural softness and gentle curvature inherent in the flowers. This naturalistic representation is contrasted by the more textured, almost impressionistic treatment of the leaves and stems, adding a dynamic quality to the composition.

The vase itself, filled with water, is depicted with a remarkable clarity that showcases Manet's skill in rendering transparent and reflective surfaces. The play of light on the glass and the subtle distortions of the stems through the water evidence his keen observational skills. The backdrop is relatively plain, likely in muted tones, which directs full attention to the floral arrangement without any distractions. This simplicity in the background further enhances the viewer's focus on the flowers, emphasizing their ephemeral beauty.

Information about the Painting and the Artist:

Edouard Manet (1832-1883) was a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism, and his works often blurred the lines between these movements. Known for his candid portrayals of modern life and his innovative use of color and light, Manet's oeuvre played a significant role in shaping the direction of late 19th-century art. "Moss Roses in a Vase" exemplifies his ability to infuse still-life subjects with vitality and elegance.

This painting was created during the last years of Manet's life, a period when he was increasingly focused on smaller-scale works, likely due to his declining health. During this time, he produced numerous still lifes and floral compositions, many of which are cherished for their intimacy and refined beauty. These later works, including "Moss Roses in a Vase," reflect a softer, more personal side of Manet's artistry.

The original painting "Moss Roses in a Vase" is part of the collection at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France. The Musée d'Orsay holds one of the most extensive collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces, and Manet's works are prominently represented.

Noteworthy Details:

1. Lighting and Shadow: Manet's use of lighting is subtle yet effective. The flowers and vase are gently illuminated, suggesting a natural light source, potentially from a nearby window. The shadows cast are soft, adding depth and a sense of realism to the composition.

2. Brushwork: The brushwork in "Moss Roses in a Vase" varies from delicate, controlled strokes for the petals to more expressive, loose strokes for the leaves and background. This variety in technique adds texture and movement, enhancing the lifelike quality of the flowers.

3. Symbolism: While primarily a study in form and color, the choice of moss roses, known for their layered petals and subtle hues, could be seen as symbolic of the fleeting nature of beauty and life—an apt reflection given the context of Manet's own life stage at the time.

4. Artistic Influence: Manet's still life compositions, including this work, were influential in the development of still lifes within the Impressionist movement. They demonstrated that everyday subjects could be depicted with a freshness and immediacy, inspiring his contemporaries and future generations.

In conclusion, "Moss Roses in a Vase" is a work that encapsulates Manet's masterful ability to transform a simple subject into a profound and visually captivating piece of art. It stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the trajectory of modern art and his unparalleled prowess in capturing the delicate essence of nature.