ARTWORKS

A Basket of Roses

Henri Fantin-Latour (1836–1904)

The National Gallery, London

A Basket of Roses

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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It seems as if these roses have been tossed almost carelessly into the wicker basket – they tumble over the edge and onto the table – but the disarray is artful. The subtle colours – pure white, cream, pale apricot and pink – have been carefully balanced to establish harmony and the heads of the blooms turned in different directions to catch the clear, bright light and show the unique qualities of each flower.

The leaves are glossy and the petals have a multitude of textures, but these roses seem to have little to do with the natural world outside. They appear too pristine and untouched, and although the bare, mottled background brings out their colours, it isolates them as though in an empty room. But it is this very isolation that made the picture ideal for a heavily ornamented, bourgeois Victorian drawing room – a moment to breathe amongst the expensive clutter.

The National Gallery, London

London

Read more on The National Gallery, London
Title

A Basket of Roses

Date

1890

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 48.9 x W 60.3 cm

Accession number

NG3726

Acquisition method

Bequeathed by Mrs M.J. Yates, 1923

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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Artist or maker

Henri Fantin-Latour

1836–1904

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