Peonies

This painting is part of a peony series created by Édouard Manet in 1864–65. A favorite flower of the artist, peonies were grown in his garden at Gennevilliers. Their lush petals and soft tonal variations provided the ideal subject for Manet’s fluid, sensuous brushwork and his masterful exploration of subtle color harmonies, resulting in a work of refined elegance and enduring appeal.