Natures Mortes

A double-sided oil painting on canvas mounted to hard carton (with one side painted on canvas and the other directly on the carton), from the home and atelier of French artist Cécile Hertz-Eyrolles (1875–1974). The reverse bears the artist’s atelier stamp.

This rare double-sided work features two striking still life compositions, each with its own distinct palette and technique. On one side, a bouquet of pink and yellow flowers is arranged alongside a few draped fabrics, including a white linen in the foreground. A couple of fruits are nestled into the folds of the fabric, and the background is painted in soft greys and mauves. The brushwork is loose and expressive, lending the scene a gentle impressionist quality and a sense of movement.

On the reverse, a second bouquet takes center stage — this time in bold red and yellow tones, painted in a simplified, almost Matisse-like style. The flowers sit in a white ceramic jug beside a matching bowl with a brown rim. In the background, a French Empire-style dressing table mirror adds structure and depth. The entire composition is set against a rich cobalt blue ground, allowing the flowers and ceramics to stand out with vivid contrast.

One of the unique benefits of a double-sided painting is its versatility — offering two distinct moods and the possibility to display either side over time.

Condition to note: The floral side with pink and yellow flowers is in very good condition, with the exception of a small loss on the left edge and slightly curled corners where the canvas has lifted just slightly from the backing. The reverse side has a few missing flecks of paint, particularly near the corners.

Cécile Hertz-Eyrolles biography