Jules Ferdinand Médard (1855-1925)Throw of peonies and roses on blue velvet

Oil on panel. 37.5 x 46.5 cm. Signed and dated lower right: "J Medard 1900".

Jules Ferdinand Médard presents a bouquet set on a wooden table, partially draped with deep green velvet. Against a dark, neutral background, two pale pink peonies draw the eye, while a half-open white rose brings a sense of freshness and purity. On the left, mock orange branches punctuate the scene with small white blossoms, and a few matte, veined green leaves form an ascending diagonal, subtly adding movement.

The visual balance relies on the triangulation of the peonies, rose, and mock orange, as well as the interplay between the greens (cloth, foliage) and the whites (rose, mock orange) surrounding the central pink. The chiaroscuro creates a strong contrast: the peonies seem lit from within, while the rose gently stands out against the shimmering velvet.

Médard demonstrates precise academic technique: sharp contours and careful shading produce a smooth, elegant surface. The contrast between the floral delicacy and the rougher texture of the background evokes the intimacy of a cabinet of curiosities and the sobriety of classical still life. With its harmonious composition and restrained palette, this painting combines discipline and sensuality to offer a refined and poetic visual experience.

Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon under Jean-Marie Reignier, Jules Ferdinand Médard quickly established himself as a master of still life. From 1878 onward, he exhibited at the Paris Salon to great acclaim. Highly sought after in his lifetime, he captivated collectors with the finesse of his brushwork, the richness of his compositions, and his keen attention to detail.