Blanche Hoschede-Monet – Rhododendrons, 1928 Sotheby’s

The painting presents a dense thicket of flowering shrubs, dominated by shades of purple and green. The artist has chosen to depict a close-up view, eliminating any sense of spatial depth or background beyond the immediate foliage. Individual blooms are rendered with loose brushstrokes, suggesting their delicate texture and ephemeral nature. They appear almost as if they’re bursting from the surrounding greenery.
The color palette is restricted primarily to variations within the violet and green spectrums, creating a harmonious yet somewhat somber atmosphere. The purple hues range from deep plum to lighter lavender, while the greens shift between vibrant emerald and muted olive tones. This limited range contributes to a sense of unity and reinforces the focus on the botanical subject matter.
The composition is characterized by an abundance of organic forms. There’s no clear focal point; instead, the eye wanders across the surface, encountering a profusion of leaves and blossoms. The arrangement feels almost chaotic at first glance, but closer inspection reveals a carefully considered balance between density and openness.
Here we see a deliberate avoidance of precise detail in favor of capturing an overall impression of lushness and vitality. The artist seems less interested in botanical accuracy than in conveying the sensory experience of being immersed within this flowering environment. This approach suggests a focus on subjective perception and emotional response to nature, rather than objective representation.
The darkness surrounding the foliage creates a sense of enclosure and intimacy. It also serves to intensify the vibrancy of the colors and highlight the texture of the brushwork. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to lose themselves in the beauty of this natural scene.