Morning Glory with Black by Georgia O'Keeffe

Morning Glory with Black

Georgia O'Keeffe · 1926

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“Stop to appreciate this iconic close-up of a morning glory, where Georgia O'Keeffe transforms a simple flower into a powerful, almost abstract design against a striking black backdrop.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

A monumental morning glory fills this canvas, its petals unfurling in a vibrant purple against a deep, almost velvety black background. The flower is magnified, pushing against the edges of the frame, a technique likely inspired by modern photography that brings the viewer into intimate contact with nature. This close-up view transforms the delicate bloom into a powerful, almost abstract design. While some critics interpreted such flower paintings as reflections of femininity or sexuality, the artist strongly resisted these readings, insisting her work be discussed without reference to her gender. Instead, the painting invites contemplation of form, color, and the intricate beauty found in the natural world, rendered with striking intensity.

DETAILS
Artist
Georgia O'Keeffe
Date
1926
Medium
oil on canvas
Location
Cleveland Museum of Art
Dimensions
[object Object]
Collection
American Painting and Sculpture
Culture
America
Credit line
Bequest of Leonard C. Hanna Jr.
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Morning Glory with Black
01

The way the morning glory's purple shifts from deep violet to soft lavender.

02

Look for the hint of a black petunia, partially visible at the lower right.

03

The dramatic contrast between the flower's bright color and the dark background.

04

Notice how the petals seem to glow from within, catching the light.

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THE ARTIST

Georgia O'Keeffe

1887–1986 · United States

Georgia O'Keeffe, the 'Mother of American modernism,' transformed natural forms into powerful abstractions, from magnified flowers to the stark beauty of the New Mexico desert.

Read O'Keeffe’s full story
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