Still Life II

Paul Nash 1889 - 1946

Summary

This still life of a vase of flowers is unusual due to its position within quite a detailed interior. The vase of flowers is tall and octagonal, and it is positioned just to the right of centre on top of a table that is partially seen in the bottom of the composition. The vase is filled with a variety of flowers, many of which are very leafy, including ferns and a thistle. Most of the flowers stand upright but there is a fern that is hanging over to the right and another stem of leaves that trails down the left hand side of the vase. Seen directly behind the table and vase of flowers is a large wooden screen with a scalloped top edge and on the left, just behind this there is a window. Although the window is quite small trees with no leaves can be seen through it; this draws a contrast between interior flowers and wild plants. Paul Nash taught part-time at the Design School of the Royal College of Art during a period he referred to as ‘an outbreak of talent’. His students included Edward Bawden and Eric Ravilious who were inspired by Nash’s interest in the relationship between art and industry and influenced by his participation in design reform. Nash was a prominent member of the Society of Wood Engravers in the 1920s, a period that saw a renaissance in this medium.