Virtual Museum Visit

Flowers in a Stone Vase

Peter Faes  (Flemish, 1750–1814)

Date:

1786

Medium:

Oil on wood

Dimensions:

19 1/2 x 15 1/8 in. (49.5 x 38.4 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Bequest of Catherine D. Wentworth, 1948

Accession Number:

48.187.738

I am a very big fan of paintings of flowers and this draws my attention especially because it is in black and white. My first thought after looking at this picture was I wonder what the flowers would look like in color. From the shading you can see white flowers and the others seem darker of maybe an orange or pink tint. I am usually a fan of paintings with a variety of colors (that is just what appeals to my emotions) but I admire the dark areas of the picture that seem to spotlight the flower arrangement. It gives a very dramatic or emotional feeling. Also the fact that some of the flowers appear to be leaning and dying adds to the emotional beauty. To me the biggest thing that stands out within all of the arrangement is the bright white flower that seems to be blooming perfectly. It stands out against the other depressed looking flowers. This says to me that you can still find beauty even within the ugly.

Mother and Child

Camille Corot  (French, Paris 1796–1875 Paris)

Date:

probably 1860s

Medium:

Oil on wood

Dimensions:

12 3/4 x 8 7/8 in. (32.4 x 22.5 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Gift of Mrs. P. H. B. Frelinghuysen, 1930

Accession Number:

30.13

I love this picture! It's so emotional and captures the irreplaceable bond between mother and child. The colors used are very warm and emotional colors of orange, brown, and black. I love how the expression on the mother's face shows that she is protective and the baby clings to her with such great need. It reminds me of the bond I have with my mother.  What also is interesting about this piece is the lone figure standing further away that seems to be watching the woman. It makes me wonder who he or she is and if they are coming to take the child away. Over all this painting is very pleasing to the eye. It tells a story and even the title being "Mother and Child" shows the power of this piece has. The white dress which the baby is wearing helps to show the innocence of the picture, a baby and a mother.