57. Daffodils and Irises [1916-1918]

Although in an early stage of his creation, Stefan Dimitrescu positioned himself against the so-called "forms without substance" that he mostly found in the "everlasting" still natures, the artist would come to adopt this style as a preferred way to expose his creative potential. For Dimitrescu, the subject needed to be marked by pathos, idea, and feeling, especially in works where he describes interiors, the artist invites the viewer to penetrate his intimate space, filled with his personal belongings. His mastery is witnessed in compositions such as "Vegetables" from the National Art Museum in Cluj or "Fish" from the National Art Museum in Bucharest. While Andreescu and Luchian leaned more toward a philosophical lyricism, Dimitrescu paints robustly, in a traditional spirit, valorizing a type of materiality that incorporates the idea. Daffodils, irises, poppies or chrysanthemums will flood his canvases and will layer in the opulence of the paste and the vitality of strokes. Ceramic vessels and the polychromy of petals will invite viewers on a true floral journey. The idyllic white of the daffodils and the enchanting violet of the irises transform this work into a meditation on nature. We also note the ceramic vessel for which the painter opts for ornamental motifs. The typical background of his work, described in shades of brown, enhances the stylistic value of the main element: the vase with flowers. The work has been featured in numerous retrospective exhibitions dedicated to the artist, held in cities such as Bucharest, Iasi, Sibiu or Cluj.

References

PARADAIS, Claudiu, "Șt. Dimitrescu", Meridiane Publishing House, Bucharest, 1978.

Dimensions

width 45 cm, height 60.5 cm

Description

ulei pe carton, signed bottom right, in brown, "Șt. Dimitrescu"

Research information

The artwork was part of the "Ștefan Dimitrescu" exhibition, Art Museum of the R.P.R., February 14 - May 5, 1959, Bucharest, Sibiu, and Cluj, cat. 25, under the name "Daffodils and irises". The artwork was part of the commemorative "Ștefan Dimitrescu" exhibition, Iași Art Museum, June 30 - July 30, 1963. The artwork was part of the "Ștefan Dimitrescu" exhibition, Cluj Art Museum, 1970. The artwork was part of the retrospective "Ștefan Dimitrescu" exhibition, Iași Art Museum, March - June 1976. The artwork was part of the retrospective "Ștefan Dimitrescu" exhibition, Romanian Athenaeum Bucharest, August 1976.

Dating

1916-1918

PROVENANCE

Alexandrina Dimitrescu's collection. Starting with the '70s, the collection of architect Stefan Dumitrescu.

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