White Lilacs in a Crystal Vase (Lilas blancs dans un vase de cristal)

Édouard Manet created flower paintings intermittently throughout his career, culminating in a group of 20 floral still lifes produced in the last year of his life. At this time, Manet was visited by only his closest friends, who brought him fresh flowers that he painted from his bedside. In this example, lilacs are placed in a crystal vase, decorated with gilded bands and white enamel dots, set on a marble tabletop. Despite his failing health, Manet managed to create a painting of richly sensuous brushwork, epitomized by the flecks of white that evoke the flowers' blooms.