Madeleine Renaud (1885-1979) - Les pétales du Temps

Hello, I propose an watercolor signed Madeleine RENAUD (1885-1979) depicting a bouquet of anemone flowers arranged in a round-bodied bowl. This bouquet of anemones, recognizable by their generous petals, dark, contrasting center, and the fine-cut collar of leaves beneath the flower, forms a dense, spherical mass at the center of the composition. A few petals rest on a table at the foot of the vase, adding a poetic personal touch. In the language of flowers and the history of art, the anemone bouquet carries a rich, ancient symbolism oscillating between the fragility of life, perseverance, and thwarted or distant loves. The anemone signifies “do not abandon me,” it is the flower of anxious waiting, of perseverance in the face of a threatened or distant love. The symbolism of its petals represents transience, as they open quickly under the wind’s influence but fall just as quickly. This work symbolizes the passing of time, the fragility of beauty, and the ephemeral nature of existence. The anemone, nicknamed the “flower of the wind,” derives from the Greek “anemos.” In Greek mythology, the anemone is closely linked to the story of Adonis and Aphrodite. According to legend, Adonis, Aphrodite’s lover, was mortally wounded by a boar. Aphrodite, overwhelmed by pain, shed tears on Adonis’s wound. From this mix of blood and divine tears came the first red anemones. The colors of this watercolor are not chosen at random. Brick red and dominant purple symbolize passion, the intensity of feelings, but also sacrifice or painful or unrequited love. Off-white crème brings a touch of purity, sincerity, and innocence amid this passionate mass. The background presents a solid ochre-yellow and light earth Siena tone. The hues range from brick red to purple, with shades of salmon pink, cream for the centers of some anemones, and subtle touches of violet-olive green for the foliage and the water in the vessel. The light is soft, creating a gentle gradient that highlights the relief of the petals without excessive contrast. Frame dimensions: 37.5 cm x 31.5 cm Artwork dimensions: 30.5 cm x 24 cm Madeleine Renaud (1885-1979) is a true watercolorist whose recognized specialty precisely lay in these floral still lifes with soft, dense tones. This watercolor, probably about 70 years old, remains in good condition. It was painted by the artist on a semi-thick cardboard that is not mounted on any other support. The wooden frame is original. It has been restored and an imitation terracotta-colored lacquer was applied to maintain harmony with the artwork’s background. This watercolor by Madeleine RENAUD is not merely a decorative floral piece. It is a vibrant symbol of fragile beauty, of passion in the face of time’s test, and of nostalgic memory. This poetic work testifies to a high level of technical mastery where the softness of watercolors elevates poetic fragility. By pairing a warm earth Siena palette with the melancholic symbol of the “flower of the wind,” this still life stands as a timeless work full of love and sensitivity.

Estimate:$336.81

View all items fromCatawikiorArts & Graphics