Flower Day (Dia de Flores)

This work depicts a vendor offering her wares of lilies to two women. Rivera offers us an unusual composition, with the two kneeling women before the flowers echoing a typical crucifixion commission for private patrons like might have appeared in many Catholic churches. “The unusual perspective of the flowers, which are seen from above, and the blocklike forms of the figures are stylistic devices derived from Rivera’s earlier cubist paintings.” (LACMA) The earthy palette accentuated by warm reds and yellows lends the piece a true sense of warmth and familiarity.

Creator: Diego Rivera

Date: 1925

Original Medium: Oil on canvas

Original Size: 58 x 47 1/2 in.

Location: Los Angeles County Museum of Art