Coleus. 1894 Isaac Ilyich Levitan (1860-1900)

This is a still life painting titled Coleus by Pierre Bonnard, created in 1894. The artwork depicts a cluster of coleus plants, characterized by their vibrantly colored leaves, which range from variegated shades of green and pink to deep purples and reds. The composition is set against a subtly textured, dark grey background, and the plants rest on a light-colored surface that suggests a tabletop or windowsill.
The use of pastels lends a soft, almost impressionistic quality to the rendering of the leaves and their intricate patterns. The artist emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, with the forms of the plants casting dark, elongated shadows behind them. The composition is intimate, focusing on the lush foliage and the rich textures and colors within it.
The subtexts in this painting can be interpreted in several ways. The choice of coleus plants, known for their ornamental foliage rather than flowers, might suggest an appreciation for the beauty found in the less conventional aspects of nature. The rich, sometimes dark, colors and the deep shadows could hint at a certain melancholy or introspection, characteristic of Bonnards work during this period. The overall impression is one of quiet contemplation, a study of natural form and color that invites the viewer to observe the subtle details and appreciate the beauty in the ordinary. The artists signature is visible in the lower left corner.