Tellima grandiflora
1928
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1928
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This close-up image shows a single flower with thick, waxy petals. Its center is packed with tiny buds, and the edges of the petals curve back sharply. The background is plain and dark, making the flower stand out. The artist used light and shadow to make the flower’s texture pop. The dark areas contrast with the lighter edges, giving it a three-dimensional look. Look up chiaroscuro to see how this trick works in other art.
