Artwork
Mullein in Bloom
Mullein in Bloom is a photography by the Impressionist artist Eugène Atget. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2007.26
- Credit line
- John L. Severance Fund
About this work
This photograph shows a close-up of a mullein plant in bloom, its tall yellow flowers standing against a soft, blurred background.
This photograph shows a close-up of a mullein plant in bloom, its tall yellow flowers standing against a soft, blurred background. Taken in Paris around 1898, it looks like a simple study of nature. But it was really made for artists and illustrators who needed clear references.
Atget sold these kinds of images to painters who wanted accurate details. His work quietly shaped the straight, unfiltered style that later photographers admired.
Check out more of his photos at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Overview
Mullein in Bloom is a photograph by Eugène Atget, taken in Paris around 1898. It presents a close-up view of a mullein plant in flower.
Subject & Meaning
The image features a mullein plant with tall yellow flowers set against a blurred background. The composition juxtaposes the plant with a sheet and landscape, creating an unexpected contrast.
Technique & Style
Atget's straightforward and unfiltered photographic style is evident in this work, characterized by its clear and detailed representation of the subject.
History & Provenance
Atget created this photograph as part of a body of work intended for artists and illustrators seeking accurate references. He sold such images to painters requiring precise details.
Legacy
Atget's work influenced later photographers, particularly those associated with the avant-garde and Surrealist movements, who appreciated the straightforwardness and evocative power of his images.
Artist & collection
