Two Breton Women under a Flowering Apple Tree by Paul Sérusier

Imbued with delicate intimacy and botanical lyricism, this painting illustrates the beauty of rural Breton customs in springtime. The artist Paul Sérusier composes a poetic tribute to peasant youth in the canvas entitled “Two Breton Women under a Flowering Apple Tree”. The image lies at the heart of Nabi doctrine by uniting the human figure and spring blossoms in a single decorative harmony.

Two young Breton women sit close together at the foot of a flowering tree, seen in profile. They wear traditional coifs of pure white that delicately frame their contemplative faces. The woman in the foreground wears a large bright red apron over a dark dress, while her companion displays dark attire. Above them, heavy branches laden with delicate pink and white flowers stretch harmoniously. The composition’s background presents a dark undergrowth that brings out the radiance of blooming vegetation. The peaceful attitude of the two Breton women creates an impression of confidential serenity.

The technical virtuosity of Paul Sérusier is affirmed in the delicacy of floral motifs and the vigorous contrast of colors. His irreproachable mastery of synthetic flat areas confers upon this rural double portrait an unforgettable poetic grace.