Peonies in Famous Works of Art
Peonies have long been touted as some of the most beautiful flowers on earth. They were practically revered by the ancient Chinese and were a favorite in Victorian English gardens. They’re still one of the most preferred specimens for floral arrangements because of their color and their delicate petals and scent.
The inherent beauty of the peony has not gone unnoticed by famous artists, either. They have graced many canvases throughout the years and appear in many paintings. Some of the more renowned examples of peony in art:
Peonies, or Pivoines. This painting was created by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1880. It’s oil on canvas and depicts a bowl of peonies on a white tablecloth. The artist used muted shades of pinks and salmon to create the blossoms. Much foliage is present, in shades of sage. The original painting measures 21.6 x 25.7 inches.
Peonies, Lilacs, and Tulips. This is another beautiful floral by Renoire. The tall vase of flowers and foliage is artfully depicted in front of a large mirror, providing two views of the subject.
Vase with Poppies, Daisies, Cornflowers, and Peonies. This oil on canvas was painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1886. The 39 x 31.1-inch work features an asymmetrical flower arrangement in a tall container. Van Gogh chose shades of vibrant red, light blues, pale pinks, and off white. Beside the floral arrangement, bunches of cut flowers are resting on the table.
Vase de Piviones, or Vase of Peonies. This is an oil on canvas that was done in 1881by Henri Fantin-Latour, who was famous for his florals.
White Peonies and Roses Narcissu. This another work by Fantin-Latour. Many of his paintings of flowers are hanging in English museums and galleries.
Peonies. This work was painted by William Merritt Chase, a prominent nineteenth-century American artist. This painting was done around 1903 and serves as a symbol for the transience of life itself. In the vase, vigorous blooms are depicted, yet on the table are wilted petals and a fallen blossom.
Bouquet of Peonies. This work was painted by Edouard Manet and is one of his most famous florals. It was created in 1882, near the end of the artist’s life.
Bouquet of Peonies Edouard Manet
The Flower Girls. This painting by Russian artist Alexie Harlamoff was painted around the turn of the twentieth century. It depicts peasant children surrounded by cut flowers as they assemble them in baskets to sell on the streets. Several flower species, including peonies, surround the children.
The Arrangement. This is another oil on canvas by Harlamoff. The subject matter is similar to that of the above painting, except that in this work, the human subject is a lone peasant girl, perhaps in her teens. Harlamoff began life as a serf. In the last decade or so, his works have gained world-wide acclaim. This particular painting recently sold for over $1 million.
Peony and Canary. This work is an example of woodblock printing popular in Japan since the 1600s. This print was created by Katsushika Hokusai in either 1833 or 1834. The original woodcut used simple flowing lines to detail the single peony flower and the leaves.
