Eglantier 3 (1896)

"Eglantier 3" by Maurice Pillard Verneuil, created in 1896, is a splendid example of Art Nouveau design, reflecting the era's enchantment with nature, pattern, and color. This artwork intricately illustrates Verneuil’s keen eye for detail and his ability to transform natural elements into decorative motifs.The painting is segmented into three primary panels, each showcasing a unique interpretation of wild rose designs, known as "eglantier" in French. The left panel features elongated stems and elegantly curved leaves, with blooms and buds in a muted palette of yellows and greens set against a soft, patterned background. The central panel is more dense and lush, with a vibrant display of blue foliage and white flowers interconnected through swirling, organic forms. The depiction is highly stylized, creating a dynamic tapestry of nature that is both whimsical and sophisticated.The bottom panel contrasts distinctly against the upper designs by employing a warm, earthy red background where pink wild roses are symmetrically arranged. The flowers are framed by a darker outline, which helps them pop against the intricate, lighter pink and beige detailing of the surrounding leaves and the geometric patterns at the borders.Together, these panels not only exhibit Verneuil’s mastery over color and form but also encapsulate the Art Nouveau movement’s ethos of making art a part of everyday life through beautifully crafted, functional designs.