Vase with Chinese asters and gladioli

Vase with Chinese Asters and Gladioli, painted in 1886 during Vincent van Gogh’s early period in Paris, is a refined still life that showcases his developing sensitivity to color and composition. The painting features a tall, elegant bouquet of delicate asters and bold gladioli arranged in a simple vase, set against a dark, muted background that enhances the flowers' vivid hues.

Rendered with careful brushwork and a restrained palette, this work bridges Van Gogh’s darker Dutch style with the brighter influences he soon absorbed in Paris. The contrast between light and shadow, structure and spontaneity, reveals his growing interest in the expressive possibilities of floral subjects. Vase with Chinese Asters and Gladioli is a quiet yet striking testament to Van Gogh’s evolving artistic voice.