Pink Roses in a Glass Vase

In this carefully composed still life, Samuel Peploe explores complex color combinations. The reds and pinks of roses complement green leaves while oranges vibrate against abackground of blue. The artist would spend long periods positioning his objects, and here the elegant curves of a white ceramic-footed bowl echo those of a tall glass vase. Peploe was a leading figure among a group of early 20th-century painters known as the Scottish Colorists, who explored effects of vibrant color. Peploe often traveled to France and was much influenced by the colors of French avant-garde painters, such as Henri Matisse.