Henri Biva (1848-1929) - Japanese-style Still Life

Henri Biva (1848–1929) was a painter from Montmartre, best known for his naturalistic landscapes and garden and river scenes. He was part of the realist and naturalist tradition; he paid meticulous attention to light and the details of nature. His works often exude a peaceful and poetic atmosphere, highlighting nuances of color and the play of light. Biva exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon and was appreciated for the finesse of his rendering. Our painting depicts an elegant floral arrangement, where a large bouquet of roses and violets occupies the center of the composition, placed in a Japanese-style pot on a copper platter. Beside it, a small bouquet of violets rests in a silver pot, providing a delicate contrast in size and color. On the same table, a decorative fan, also Japanese-style, enriches the scene and adds a touch of exoticism. True to her naturalistic style, Biva plays with light and textures, making flowers and objects particularly realistic while creating a calm and refined atmosphere.