Delicate Beauty

Roses by Abbott Handerson Thayer, ca. 1890, oil, 56.6 x 79.7 cm, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly

This is one of my favorite paintings at the Smithsonian by Abbott Handerson Thayer (1849-1921). His color palette and fluid application of paint makes these roses sublime!

 “A bowl of roses in Thayer’s hands becomes more than a flower-piece; it is a glimpse into the very center of beauty.”  — anonymous