Flower Sellers of London

Gustave Doré stayed in London intermittently between the years of 1868 and 1873. During this time he made studies of flower girls by the Royal Exchange, painting them paradoxically with French baskets. Doré’s biographer stated that he “was touched by the sad beauty to be found in poor street flower sellers”, a sympathy that can perhaps be felt in this painting. Doré’s works highlighted the gulf between high society and the grim life of the poor in the capital city.