Aubergine and Flowers 1968 by Mary Fedden
Aubergine And Flowers
The Quiet Brilliance of Mary Fedden’s Still Lifes
Aubergine And Flowers, painted in 1968, stands as a defining example of Mary Fedden’s ability to transform everyday objects into compositions of quiet sophistication. Unlike the bold, gestural works of her contemporaries in the British avant-garde, Fedden’s approach was measured and deliberate. This painting emerged during a period when she had fully embraced the flattened planes and muted palettes that would become her signature. The work’s restrained elegance—its interplay of organic forms and geometric structure—reflects Fedden’s long-standing fascination with the tension between abstraction and representation.
By the late 1960s, Fedden had already established herself as a key figure in the Modern British movement, exhibiting regularly at the Royal Academy and the New English Art Club. Aubergine And Flowers exemplifies her mature style: the aubergine’s deep violet hue anchors the composition, while the scattered blooms introduce a counterpoint of softness. The painting’s economy of elements belies its complexity; as the Tate notes, Fedden’s still lifes often “rely on the precision of line and the subtlety of tone to create a sense of harmony that feels both contemporary and timeless.” This work is no exception, balancing formal rigor with an almost tactile intimacy.
Mary Fedden and the Modern British Aesthetic
Fedden’s career spanned over six decades, but the late 1960s marked a period of particular refinement in her practice. Having studied at the Slade School of Fine Art under the influence of Randolph Schwabe—a painter known for his exacting draftsmanship—she developed a disciplined approach to composition that set her apart from the more expressive currents of post-war British art. While her contemporaries like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud explored the raw and the visceral, Fedden’s work remained resolutely composed, her still lifes acting as meditations on form and space.
Aubergine And Flowers belongs to a series of works from this era where Fedden began to simplify her arrangements further, stripping away superfluous detail to focus on the essential relationships between objects. The painting’s restrained color palette—dominated by the aubergine’s rich purple, the flowers’ delicate whites, and the neutral background—reflects her interest in the interplay of positive and negative space. This was not a rejection of color but a strategic use of it, a characteristic that The Art Story describes as “a quiet rebellion against the chromatic excesses of the time.”
Fedden’s genius lies in her ability to make the ordinary feel monumental—not through scale, but through the precision of her gaze.
The Craft Behind the Composition
Structural Balance
The composition of Aubergine And Flowers is deceptively simple. Fedden positions the aubergine as the focal point, its vertical orientation creating a strong axis that divides the canvas. The flowers, scattered asymmetrically, introduce a sense of movement that counters the aubergine’s static presence. This balance between stability and spontaneity is a hallmark of Fedden’s work, reflecting her belief that “a painting should feel inevitable, as if the objects had no choice but to occupy their exact positions.”
Subtlety of Color
Fedden’s use of color in this painting is restrained but deliberate. The aubergine’s deep purple is not a flat tone but a layered mix of pigments, allowing subtle variations in light to emerge. The flowers, rendered in soft whites and pale yellows, provide a visual respite from the dominant hue. The background—a warm, neutral gray—serves to unify the composition, ensuring that the viewer’s attention remains on the interplay between the primary elements. This careful modulation of tone and hue demonstrates Fedden’s mastery of color theory, where every shade serves a purpose.
Own This Modern British Masterwork
Bring Mary Fedden’s Aubergine And Flowers into your space as a gallery-framed print. Each piece is crafted with archival-quality materials and includes FREE worldwide shipping—no minimum, no exceptions.
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This print’s muted palette and refined composition make it remarkably versatile. In a living room, it pairs beautifully with warm, earthy tones—think terracotta, olive green, or soft ochre—where its purple aubergine can act as a subtle accent. For a more contemporary setting, contrast it against a deep navy or charcoal wall to emphasize its graphic qualities. The 30×40 cm size is ideal for a console table, a mantelpiece, or as part of a curated gallery wall. Avoid overly bright or clashing colors; Fedden’s work thrives in spaces that allow its quiet sophistication to take center stage.
Is the frame included? What is the quality?
Yes, every print includes a gallery-quality frame made from solid wood with a matte finish. The framing is designed to complement the artwork while ensuring long-term protection.
Where do you ship, and how long does delivery take?
We offer FREE worldwide shipping on every order, with no minimum purchase. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days, regardless of destination.
How long will the colors remain vibrant?
Our prints use archival inks and acid-free paper, ensuring colorfastness for decades. Displayed away from direct sunlight, the print will retain its original quality.
What is your return policy?
You may return your print within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. The frame must be in its original condition, and we cover return shipping costs.
Sources & Further Reading
- Tate. "Mary Fedden." Tate.
- The Art Story. "Mary Fedden: Modern British Still Life." The Art Story.
- National Galleries of Scotland. "Mary Fedden: Biography and Works." National Galleries of Scotland.
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Further Reading
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