Spring

Moser’s vase is full of British plants that flower in the spring. Celebrated 17th-century Dutch artists created vases of impossible luxury by gathering species from multiple continents and of various blooming seasons in one painting, but Moser chose to faithfully reflect a British summertime in a careful observation of nature.

Moser got her early artistic training from her father, the artist George Michael Moser. Opportunities for girls to attend art school were limited, so aspiring female artists were often taught at home by family members. Since women weren’t allowed to study the human form by taking life drawing classes, it was difficult for them to make more highly regarded paintings that featured people. As a result, many women became highly skilled flower painters. That said, Moser could also dash off an impressive portrait or mythological scene – but it was flowers she always returned to.