Hermann Dudley Murphy (1867–1945)

Hermann Dudley Murphy (1867–1945)
Roses, c. 1925
Oil on canvas, 27 1/8 x 20 1/4 in.
Signed upper right: H. Dudley Murphy (with artist’s device)
Inscribed on verso: Roses [Silver and Black (struck out)/ H. Dudley Murphy/ [artist’s device]/ [Roses (struck out)]
Stretcher bar stamped: ...H. Dudley Murphy, N.A and inscribed: 6

Note: This painting retains its original frame, designed by the artist.

Set in the foreground on a decorative tablecloth with a lavish design, a vase of fully bloomed pink roses stands against an ivory tapestry. The dark green stems and leaves of the roses are reflected in the tablecloth below the vase in a design that continues onto the tapestry adorning the wall. The Whistler-esque treatment of patterns, as well as the loosely painted roses creates a delicate harmony between the classical format and loose brushstrokes of the petals.