Olga BOZNAŃSKA (1865-1940), Flowers in a spherical vase, 1914

oil, cardboard; 43.5 x 15.5 cm;
p. g. dedication: to dear Mrs. Morzycka (?) / Olga Boznańska (in pencil),
below date: 914 / 8/3 (in pen).

Marigolds, anemones, poppies - in contrast to the lilac flowers disliked by Olga Boznanska - are among the subjects of her still lifes. According to the message, bouquets immortalized in her paintings were an integral part of the artist's studio. Fresh, developed or slightly withered buds, along with green stems, set in a glass vase, framed in an instantly recognizable, ethereal painting form, are a characteristic element of Olga Boznanska's work. They also accompanied the models in making their portraits.
According to painters Marcin Samlicki and Adam Gerżabek, Olga Boznańska created these compositions, for example, while waiting for a model who was late to the studio.
However, it can be thought that the subject of still lifes or images of the studio was a separate, respite-giving motif for Olga Boznanska, being a pretext for depicting the mood accompanying the artist herself. These intimate and often small cardboard boxes may also have been a gift from the painter to those who visited the studio earlier. This is evidenced by the inscription at the top of the composition "Flowers in a spherical vase" dated 1914. In 1913, during her stay in Krakow, Olga Boznanska portrayed just Mrs. Maria Morzycka (MP4755MNW and reproduction of the painting in: "The World" 1914, no. 20 (May 16), p. 5 - as Portrait of a Woman).

(compiled. Based on: materials accompanying the exhibition: "Olga Boznańska (1860-1940)", digital MNW, Olga Boznańska (1865-1940), scholarly editor Dr. Ewa Bobrowska, Krakow 2014).