Who painted Flowers in a Pitcher?

Flowers in a Pitcher was painted by Fidelia Bridges in 1874.

Where can I see Flowers in a Pitcher?

Flowers in a Pitcher is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Flowers in a Pitcher?

Flowers in a Pitcher is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Flowers in a Pitcher?

Museum-quality prints of Flowers in a Pitcher are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Flowers in a Pitcher

Fidelia Bridges , 1874

Flowers in a Pitcher is a watercolor drawing by the Impressionist artist Fidelia Bridges. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left verso in graphite by unknown hand: #39

About this work

Overview

Flowers in a Pitcher is a watercolor drawing on brown wove paper, created by American artist Fidelia Bridges around 1874. Characterized by its delicate botanical depiction, the work showcases Bridges' mastery of watercolor, a medium she excelled in after initially training in oil painting.

Subject & Meaning

The piece features a simple, yet precisely rendered, still life of a clay pitcher filled with green leaves and delicate pink and white flowers, spilling over its edges. The subject reflects Bridges' signature focus on natural, botanical themes.

Technique & Style

Bridges employed loose brushstrokes to capture light and texture, prioritizing the overall appearance over minute details. The use of brown paper as the background, unusual for watercolors of the time, adds a warm, earthy tone, enhancing the floral colors' visibility.

History & Provenance

As one of the early members of the American Watercolor Society and its sole female founding member, Bridges' work, including Flowers in a Pitcher, contributed to her prominence. Her pieces were widely disseminated through reproductions in various publications and greeting cards.

Context

Created in the late 19th century, Flowers in a Pitcher sits within the broader context of American watercolor development, where Bridges played a pivotal role in popularizing the medium through her detailed, naturalistic depictions.

Legacy

Through her watercolors, including Flowers in a Pitcher, Bridges left a legacy as a pioneering female artist in a predominantly male-dominated field, known for bringing botanical subjects to life with refined technique and precision.