Artwork
Sunflowers on an Armchair
Sunflowers on an Armchair is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It dates from 1901 and is held in the collection of the Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection. Created in 1901, this oil painting presents a modest still‑life arrangement: a vase of sunflowers rests upon the seat of an armchair.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1901, this oil painting presents a modest still‑life arrangement: a vase of sunflowers rests upon the seat of an armchair. The composition is confined to a domestic interior, its background suggested rather than detailed, allowing the viewer to focus on the interplay of objects and color. The work belongs to the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
Subject & Meaning
The central motif consists of bright sunflowers, their petals rendered in layered yellows and muted browns, accompanied by a few green leaves. Positioned on an upholstered chair of warm, earthy hue, the objects evoke a quiet domestic scene that suggests comfort and a simple, contemplative pleasure in everyday surroundings.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the painting employs Gauguin’s characteristic bold palette and simplified forms, moving away from the fleeting light effects of Impressionism toward a more deliberate, symbolic use of color. Broad, flat brushstrokes define the vase and chair, while the sunflowers are treated with a slightly more detailed, textured surface, emphasizing their natural vitality.
History & Provenance
The canvas was completed during Gauguin’s later period, after his extensive travels in the Pacific, and reflects his continued interest in still‑life subjects. It entered the holdings of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s representation of early 20th‑century Post‑Impressionist work.
Context
Produced at the turn of the century, the painting aligns with the broader Post‑Impressionist movement, which sought to expand the expressive possibilities of color and form. While Gauguin is often associated with Symbolist themes, this work demonstrates his ability to infuse ordinary objects with a heightened visual presence, contributing to the era’s exploration of interiority and mood.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin (; French:; 7 June 1848 – 8 May 1903) was a French painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramist, and writer, whose work has been primarily associated with the Post-Impressionist and Symbolist movements.
