Читать книгу Flowers - Victoria Charles - Страница 3

Peter Paul Rubens was born in Siegen, Germany, in 1577. Rubens’ paintings reveal a great spontaneity in his attitude towards life. In his work Rubens produced numerous portraits and pictures in which flowers play a very important decorative role. The depiction of flowers allows the harmony of shapes and colours to be celebrated.

Flowers and Fruits

Henri Fantin-Latour, 1866

Oil on canvas, 73 × 60 cm

Galerie R. Schmit, Paris

It also allows for a palette of warm and golden tones, and for them to be integrated in the light effects which diversify shades and impart a great sensuality. By painting flowers Rubens could use colours as the fundamental medium for pictorial expression. Peter Paul Rubens died in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1640, but his work will always mark a turning point in 17th century art history.

Lady in the Garden Sainte-Adresse (Jeanne Marguerite Lecadre in the Garden)

Claude Monet, 1867

Oil on canvas, 80 × 99 cm

The Hermitage, Saint Petersburg