Charlemagne Oscar Guet (French, 1795-1854)
Arranging the Flowers
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: Sight: 41 x 33 cm; Frame: 61 x 53 cm
Condition Report: Craquelure, otherwise in good condition
Signed: Lower left

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of “Arranging the Flowers” by Charlemagne Oscar Guet. This captivating oil painting portrays a young lady in flowing white garments, seated gracefully in a lush natural setting. She is tenderly holding and arranging a small bouquet of wildflowers, while a straw hat rests beside her. The piece is noted for its luminous, pigmented hues that retain their freshness, with a chromatic palette that harmoniously blends the azure sky with the earthy tones of the surroundings. The white garments of the model stand out strikingly against the background, showcasing the artist’s skillful balance of detail and simplicity.

Guet’s distinctive style, characterized by his deft use of light and color, is evident in this work. The artist, a pupil of renowned painters such as Antoine-Jean Gros and Horace Vernet, began exhibiting at the Salon of 1819. This painting reflects his mastery in creating vivid, yet harmonious compositions, encapsulating a moment of serene elegance.