Art Nouveau cyclamen and peony – Georges Riom, c. 1900

“Cylamen et pivoine” [cyclamen and peony], colour lithograph created around 1900 by Georges Riom (1877-1969). Signed in the print in…

“Cylamen et pivoine” [cyclamen and peony], colour lithograph created around 1900 by Georges Riom (1877-1969). Signed in the print in the centre of the composition. Size: approx. 39 x 18 cm.

This beautiful petite poster has an elegantly asymmetrical composition typical of Art Nouveau. Nature was often the main source of inspiration, featuring long-stemmed, gracefully stylized plants and flowers. The flowers are depicted in a style reminiscent of Japanese prints: two-dimensional and almost abstract, with a graceful composition and vibrant colors.

The renowned art dealer Siegfried Bing was a driving force behind the increasing Japanese influence in the Western art world. The prints imported by Bing found eager reception among artists seeking a new style, including Vincent van Gogh. Bing specialized in Japanese art at his Parisian gallery, L’Art Nouveau, from which the movement derived its French name.

Cyclamen, with its graceful petals and heart-shaped leaves, were often depicted in Art Nouveau posters. The stylized forms of cyclamen flowers are represented with soft, flowing lines and organic contours, creating a sense of elegance and tenderness. The flowers are often depicted in various shades of pink, red, or purple, captivating the viewers visually. Cyclamen is combined here with leaves and tendrils to create a sense of harmony and symmetry.

The peony, with its large, lush flower head and delicate petals, is depicted with great care, highlighting the fine details of the petals and the different colours. The flower is shown in vibrant shades of pink, making it an impressive visual element.

Price: SOLD