Artist and Date

The painting was made by Henri Rousseau, a French artist known for his naive or "primitive" style, in the year 1909.

Medium and Size

The painting is an oil on canvas work, measuring 17 7/8 x 12 7/8 inches (45.4 x 32.7 cm).

Collection

The artwork is part of the collection at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York.

Style and Characteristics

Rousseau's style in this painting is characteristic of folk or "primitive" art. It features a strict front-facing view, clear, solid-colored forms, and a restricted, flattened space. The flowers in the bouquet are carefully rendered and include recognizable varieties such as peonies, tulips, daisies, mimosas, acacias, and forget-me-nots. The surface of the painting is smoothly and evenly brushed, with occasional interruptions to allow the white preparatory ground to show through, adding an element of texture.

Context

For Rousseau, still-life paintings, especially those of flowers, served as a pleasant diversion from more ambitious and academic subjects. This work reflects his unique approach to still-life painting.