Prior to the 1890s, Redon worked mainly in black and white, producing both lithographs and a large number of charcoal drawings called Noirs, which evoke a subjective realm of mystery and melancholy. His imagery appealed in particular to such symbolist writers as Stéphane Mallarmé and Joris-Karl Huysmans. Around 1890, Redon’s art underwent a major change with the introduction of pure, opulent color. Although he continued to present images drawn from his complex, inner thoughts, he also explored new subject matter, notably flowers. Here, the artist has painted red peonies and other small, brightly colored flowers arranged in a vase. There is only the suggestion of a tabletop, and the still life seems suspended within its own intimate space.