A bouquet of yellow roses stands on a marble table set against a dark background. The fully bloomed flowers are captured at the fleeting moment when their lush, open petals begin to fall. The painting's dramatic impact lies in the striking contrast between the minimalist elegance of its composition and the richly textured, thickly painted roses at its center.
Yellow Roses in a Vase is Gustave Caillebotte's first significant exploration of the still-life genre. Between 1881 and 1883, he created over 30 still lifes, reflecting a growing fascination with the genre among Impressionist artists, including Claude Monet, who shared Caillebotte's Paris studio in 1882.
This particular painting remained in Caillebotte's possession throughout his life. After he died in 1894, it was acquired by Edgar Degas, a discerning collector of his contemporaries’ works, much like Caillebotte himself had been.
If you would like to learn more about Caillebotte, who in my opinion, was one of the most extraordinary Impressionists, today is the perfect day to enroll in our online courses on Impressionism (as it is the last day of our New Year's sale). Don't wait any minute longer and head to our online courses platform. :)
P.S. Today's painting was created by one of the most unique Impressionists. If you're not familiar with his art, you should definitely change that! Here's Gustave Caillebotte in 10 paintings—a different sort of Impressionism.