Peonies

Edouard Manet

1864–65 · Oil on canvas · European Paintings

This picture belongs to a series of peonies that Manet painted in 1864–65. Reportedly his favorite flower, Manet grew peonies in his garden at Gennevilliers. Their broad petals and leaves and their delicate hues were perfect vehicles for his loose and sensuous brushwork and for his virtuosic handling of subtle harmonies of color.

Artist

Edouard Manet

Date

1864–65

Medium

Oil on canvas

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

Bequest of Joan Whitney Payson, 1975