Roses and Lilies

About this artwork

Henri Fantin-Latour's *Roses and Lilies* (1888) is a exquisite example of 19th-century French still life painting, capturing the delicate beauty of fresh flowers in a modest bouquet. Rendered in oil on canvas, this intimate work measures 23½ x 18 inches, inviting viewers to lean in and savor its luminous petals and subtle textures. Fantin-Latour, a master of Realism, was renowned for his meticulous floral studies, which blend precise observation with a poetic elegance, evoking the fleeting splendor of nature. The painting showcases the artist's virtuoso technique: velvety roses in soft pinks and creamy whites mingle with elegant lilies, their forms emerging from deep shadows with masterful chiaroscuro. Oil on canvas allowed Fantin-Latour to achieve rich, jewel-like colors and a sense of depth, making the blooms appear almost tangible. In the late 19th century, such still lifes held cultural resonance, symbolizing both luxury and the transience of life amid France's flourishing floral trade and Impressionist influences. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Paintings department as part of the Annenberg Collection, this gem highlights Fantin-Latour's enduring legacy. Visitors often pause here, reminded of nature's quiet poetry amid the museum's grand halls.