The artwork “Bouquet (L’Important c’est la Rose)” was created by Salvador Dali in 1924. Despite the artist’s renowned association with Surrealism, this particular piece is attributed to the Post-Impressionism movement and falls under the genre of flower painting. It presents a distinct period in the artist’s career that predates his characteristic Surrealist phase.
In the artwork, there are several roses depicted with varying degrees of bloom, ranging from a tightly closed bud to more fully unfurled flowers. The roses possess a sculptural quality, with careful attention to the delicate folds and shadows of the petals. They are positioned against a backdrop that combines gestural brushstrokes with areas of more solid color, infusing the piece with a sense of depth and texture. Elements like the vase and the shutter-like vertical stripes to the right introduce geometrical structures that complement the organic shapes of the roses.
The composition’s palette is relatively muted, employing earth tones juxtaposed with cooler hues found in the greens of the leaves and the blues of the vase. Dali’s skillful use of light and shade creates a sense of volume in both the flora and the inanimate objects. Signed and dated by the artist, this work reflects an early stage in Dali’s artistic journey, where he experimented with different styles before fully embracing Surrealism.
