Roses

Focusing on the classic theme of still-life painting, Jean-Baptiste Robie (Belgian, 1821-1910) encapsulates the genre that is so widely known. This realistic scene depicts a variety of colorful roses, which seem to resemble peonies. The beautiful flora colors include, yellow with a hint of orange, pink that fades of magenta, and an off-white that hides behind the black lace that encapsulates the arrangement. This could have been a study, as the artist is showing his marksmanship as he successfully paints black lace, a meticulous and time-consuming feat. He shows a painter’s palette, which if this were a portrait painting, it would show the individual as an experienced and educated person.

Jean-Baptiste Robie was born in 1821 and grew up in Brussels where he studied at the Brussels Academy with Balthasar Tasson. He first came to public attention for his portraits of Napoleon, however it is his still lifes for which he is best known.

Robie is regarded as having played a pivotal role in the evolution of flower painting, aiding the development from romanticism to realism. His work is particularly noted for its faithful use of color, its clarity and incredible attention to detail. His still lifes show a remarkable amount of detail, not just on the subject, but also on the background of his compositions.

During his lifetime Robie travelled extensively in Europe, visiting Italy, Spain, France and Germany. He also spent time in the Middle East, and he wrote the most famous of his many travel his books Les Débuts d'un Peintre (1886) about his long stay in India.

Robie exhibited at the Brussels Salon from 1843 until 1875, winning a number of medals. He made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1863, participated in the 1880 exhibition at the Palais des Beaux-Arts and went on to exhibit in Antwerp and Ghent before exhibiting at the 1885 World Fair in Paris. He was knighted in 1861 and continued to receive various honours from then onwards.