Paul Gauguin – Still Life with Peonies National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The composition presents a still life arrangement dominated by a cluster of peonies in full bloom. These flowers occupy the central space and are rendered with thick, impasto brushstrokes that emphasize their texture and volume. The color palette is largely composed of deep reds, pinks, and purples, creating a sense of richness and vibrancy. A muted green stem rises from within the vase, providing a visual anchor for the floral display.
The peonies are contained within a clear glass vessel, which reflects light in subtle ways, adding depth to the scene. The vase rests upon a draped cloth, its folds and creases painted with loose, expressive strokes that suggest movement and softness. The background is ambiguous, rendered in muted tones of blue and grey, allowing the flowers to remain the focal point.
Two smaller works are affixed to the upper portion of the canvas. One depicts a landscape scene – a distant view of hills or mountains under a cloudy sky – rendered with similar brushwork and color intensity as the main subject. The other portrays a figure, seemingly a portrait, though its details are obscured by the artist’s handling of paint; it appears to be a study or sketch rather than a finished piece.
The inclusion of these smaller works suggests a layering of artistic processes and perhaps an exploration of different subjects within a single frame. They could represent preliminary studies, memories, or simply elements that the artist wished to juxtapose with the central floral arrangement. The handwritten inscription in the upper left corner adds another layer of complexity; it appears to be a dedication or note, further personalizing the work.
The overall effect is one of intimacy and contemplation. Theres an intentional roughness to the execution, eschewing precise detail for a more emotive representation. This approach lends itself to interpretations concerning themes of transience – the fleeting beauty of flowers – and the act of artistic creation itself. The arrangement feels less like a formal still life and more like a personal record or meditation on beauty, memory, and the creative process.