Flowers in a vase with lemon - Mary Fedden

A classic still life by Mary Fedden, featuring a white jug of blue flowers and sliced lemons on a table, rendered in her signature simplified style.

Mary Fedden, a prominent figure in twentieth-century British art, is recognised for her distinctive approach to the still life genre. This work, dated 1987, captures her characteristic use of flattened perspective and simplified forms. The composition centres on a white jug decorated with blue floral motifs, which holds a cluster of bright blue flowers. Beside the vessel, two halves of a lemon provide a sharp, yellow contrast against the pale blue surface of the table.

Fedden often drew inspiration from her immediate surroundings, finding beauty in everyday objects. Her technique avoids excessive detail, favouring instead a direct application of paint that prioritises colour and shape. The background is divided into two horizontal bands, suggesting a wall and a surface, yet the lack of traditional depth creates a sense of decorative immediacy. This approach aligns with her broader practice, which frequently combined observation with a playful, almost naive sensibility.

Throughout her career, Fedden maintained a consistent focus on domestic subjects. Her work is noted for its clarity and lack of pretension. By stripping away unnecessary elements, she allows the viewer to focus on the interplay between the cool blue tones of the flowers and the warm, citrus yellow of the fruit. The brushwork is deliberate and unhurried, reflecting her ability to distil complex visual information into a harmonious arrangement. This print captures the essence of her style, offering a quiet, balanced study of form and colour that remains accessible and engaging.