Flowers in a Vase by Mary Moser - 1765 - 61.8 x 47 cm The Fitzwilliam Museum Flowers in a Vase by Mary Moser - 1765 - 61.8 x 47 cm The Fitzwilliam Museum

Flowers in a Vase

Watercolor on paper • 61.8 x 47 cm
  • Mary Moser - October 27, 1744 - May 2, 1819 Mary Moser 1765

Have you heard of Mary Moser?

Mary Moser was an English flower painter. She was the daughter of George Moser (1706–1783), a Swiss goldsmith, enameller, and medalist who settled in London in about 1726. Like her father, she was a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768 (Angelica Kauffman was the only other woman so honored). At only 24 at the time, she was the youngest ever RA, and in 1805, she was proposed as a candidate for the presidency. 

Moser’s striking floral still-life paintings earned her high praise throughout her life. She won her first award for flower painting at just 14 and soon created blossoming works of art so popular that she earned royal commissions, including one from Queen Charlotte. 

This luminous watercolor of the Grecian urn groaning with its load of creamy daffodils, riotous red tulips, pinkish clematis, and blue sprigs of scilla is just one example of her botanical artistry.

P.S. Do you know that we have an entire set of 50 postcards dedicated to flowers in art? Check it out in our DailyArt Shop!  :)

P.P.S. Did you know floral paintings often carried a symbolic meaning? Discover the messages hidden in flowers in art