Poppies

Created in 2006, this work depicts one of art's most beloved subjects: poppies, flowers that have captivated artists for centuries with their delicate, tissue-like petals and vibrant colors. Michele Elizabeth Field (1953-2014) created this piece during the mature period of her career, when she would have been in her early fifties. While the specific medium and dimensions aren't recorded, this work is part of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust collection, where art plays a vital role in creating healing environments for patients, visitors, and staff. The choice of poppies as subject matter is particularly resonant in a healthcare setting—these flowers have long symbolized both remembrance and the fragility of life, while their bold colors can bring warmth and vitality to clinical spaces. Field's decision to focus on this enduring botanical subject connects her work to a rich tradition in art history, from Impressionist gardens to contemporary botanical studies, while the hospital setting gives the work additional layers of meaning about nature's restorative power.