Convolvulus and Nasturtiums

Édouard Manet's "Convolvulus and Nasturtiums," painted in 1881, is a beautiful example of the artist's later work. Currently housed in the McNay Art Museum, this piece measures just under a meter high and a little over half a meter wide, making it a more intimately scaled work. In it, Manet gives us a glimpse into a garden, where convolvulus and nasturtium plants climb a trellis. Notice how he uses a palette of browns and beiges for the background, allowing the vibrant greens of the leaves and the fiery reds of the flowers to truly pop. Manet's brushstrokes are evident throughout, lending a wonderful texture to the plants and giving them a sense of life and movement. The light source is subtle, creating a soft and natural atmosphere. "Convolvulus and Nasturtiums" is a testament to Manet's ability to find beauty in the everyday and to capture it with his signature style.