Flowers in a Crystal Vase (c. 1882) by Édouard Manet

  • Title
    Flowers in a Crystal Vase
  • Artist
    Édouard Manet (1832–1883), French
  • Date
    c. 1882
  • Medium
    Oil on canvas
  • Collection
    Musée d'Orsay
  • 2986 x 4000 pixels, JPEG, 14.03 MB
  • Once payment is complete, the download link will be sent to your payment email.
  • Public Domain Content: Free for Personal & Commercial Use.

Artwork Story

Édouard Manet’s ‘Flowers in a Crystal Vase’ captures a fleeting moment of natural beauty with striking clarity. The delicate blooms, arranged in an ornate glass vase, seem almost alive, their petals glowing under soft, diffused light. Manet’s brushwork is loose yet precise, giving the flowers a sense of movement—as if they might sway at any moment. The crystal vase refracts light in unexpected ways, casting subtle shadows that dance across the table. There’s an intimacy here, a quiet celebration of the everyday made extraordinary.

Painted late in his career, this work reflects Manet’s mastery of still-life, blending realism with impressionistic touches. The composition feels spontaneous, yet every element—the tilt of a stem, the curve of a leaf—is carefully considered. Unlike traditional still-lifes heavy with symbolism, Manet’s approach feels fresh, almost modern. He isn’t moralizing or hiding meanings; he’s simply inviting us to see beauty where we might otherwise overlook it. The painting hums with quiet energy, a testament to finding wonder in ordinary things.

About the Artist

Édouard Manet (1832–1883), French, Édouard Manet, a pivotal figure in the transition from realism to impressionism, was born on January 23, 1832, in Paris, where he also passed away on April 30, 1883. Despite his initial aspirations towards a career in law or the navy, Manet's passion for art led him to the studio of Thomas Couture in 1850, marking the beginning of his formal training as a painter. By 1860, he had begun to exhibit his work, including the notable 'Portrait of M. and Mme Auguste Manet.' Manet's art, characterized by its bold realism and departure from academic conventions, often stirred controversy, as seen with works like 'Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe' and 'Olympia,' which challenged societal norms and artistic traditions.
Manet's oeuvre reflects a diverse range of subjects, from intimate portraits and vibrant scenes of Parisian life to dramatic historical narratives and serene marines. His friendship with literary and artistic luminaries such as Charles Baudelaire, Émile Zola, and Edgar Degas placed him at the heart of Paris's cultural avant-garde. Despite the initial rejection of his work by the official art establishment, Manet's influence on modern painting is undeniable. His innovative approach to composition and subject matter paved the way for future movements, securing his legacy as a cornerstone of 19th-century art.

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Flowers in a Crystal Vase (c. 1882) by Édouard Manet

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Digital product: Flowers in a Crystal Vase (c. 1882) by Édouard Manet

Specs: 2986 x 4000 pixels, JPEG, 14.03 MB

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