Nicolai Fechin – Daisies in a Glass Vase

Signed lower right in his characteristic bold, red cursive: “N. Fechin”.

This radiant still life is a masterclass in the technical brilliance that made Nicolai Fechin one of the most respected painters of the 20th century. The composition features a lush bouquet of white daisies set against a moody, atmospheric background of deep teals and charcoal greys. Fechin’s approach to the floral subject is far from delicate; he utilizes a palette knife and broad, sweeping brushstrokes to build a sculptural surface.

The white petals are rendered with a thick, buttery impasto that catches the light, while the centers of the flowers are punctuated with vibrant dabs of golden yellow and orange. The background is treated with a “scumbled” technique, where thin layers of paint are dragged over the canvas to create a sense of vibrating air and depth. This work captures the energy and “controlled chaos” that defined Fechin’s best work, balancing the elegance of the subject with a raw, modern intensity.

Private collection, Philadelphia, USA;
Private collection, Germany;
Acquired from the above by the current owner.

Good vintage condition; features the artist’s signature heavy impasto and “dry” paint application; stable paint layers with minor surface craquelure consistent with age; original wooden stretcher with traditional corner keys.

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