THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOWERS: Artists and their gardens in Paris and the South of France with Sylvia Sagona

It was fleetingness that appealed to Impressionist painters, whether the momentary effect of light or the blooming and waning of brilliantly coloured flowers.  

Modern techniques in hybridisation and Horticultural Exhibitions in Paris put new specimens on the market and artists such as Caillebotte, Renoir, and Monet planted gardens according to the impressionist palette of complimentary colours, transforming gardens into living paintings.  

Flowers now became the main focus of gardens from Paris to Provence. 

SYLVIA SAGONA is an internationally recognised specialist on 19th century French society. She retired from the French Department at The University of Melbourne to work on historical documentaries for French and Australian television. 

This lecture is presented on-site at TJC. Please see your ticket for details. 

This lecture is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust and The Friends of TJC 

Images supplied  

Claude Monet, (French, 1840– 1926), Rounded Flower Bed (Corbeille de fleurs), 1876 | oil on canvas, 593 x 813 mm (23 3/8 x 32 x 11/16 inches) | collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts, purchase 21.71 

Claude Monet, (French, 1840– 1926), Garden at Giverny, 1895 | 810 x950 mm, oil on canvas |  
Bührle Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland, 1960 Inv. 72 

Gustave Caillebotte (French, 1848 – 1894), White and Yellow Chrysanthemums, Garden at Petit Gennevilliers, 1893 |oil on canvas, 65 x 81 cm (25 1/2 x 31 7/8 inches) | Musee Marmottan, Paris, Michel Monet bequest, 1966, inc. 5061