Renoir’s Chrysanthemums
As I noted in last year’s post on All Souls’ Day, chrysanthemums in France are the flowers of the dead. This is a time to remember our departed loved ones, not only to mourn and pray for them, but also to express our gratitude for the all too brief moments spent with them in this world.
To illustrate this post, I was tempted to reuse last year’s beautiful Emile Friant painting, but decided to share with you this Renoir from the Chicago Art Institute, admired in June on the occasion of the Historical Novel Society Conference.
Renoir Chrysanthemums
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I had no idea that France had a memorial flower – the way marigolds are used in Mexico for Day of the Dead.
Frankly, LOL, I prefer chrysanthemums!
Love the Renoir. Absolutely gorgeous.
I know this painting!
Thank You for the lovely painting and explanation. HMM.I have always thought flowers were a symbol of life. I am filling my kitchen with art and flowers. is there some background to how any flowers ie:the chrysanthemums came to be associated with the dead?
Tristan, I prefer chrysanthemums too, though I like the distinctive fragrance of marigolds.
Felio and Richard – Yes, the Renoirs of Chicago are gorgeous.
Penny – I believe it is simply because mums are the only reliable bloomers in this season!