Gladiolus_Multi_UV_UV_45x45

This is one of 35 floral still lifes painted by Van Gogh in Paris in the summer of 1886. He hoped that paintings with this subject would sell well. He also experimented with the use of colour and practised a freer painting method. He used bold colour contrasts in complementary colours for this still life, juxtaposing green and red and blue and orange. These colour combinations form the basis of the colour theory developed by Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863). Van Gogh was a great admirer of this French artist''s work. The Gladiolus decorative cushion has elegant frayed detailing along the edges in a rich cognac colour. The back is blue. The cushion has a classic, sumptuous, and luxurious look.