The Buddha in the Flowers

Still Life (The Buddha in the Flowers)George W. Seavey (1841–1913)
Circa 1890, 18 x 14 inches • 28 x 24 inches framed (original canvas and frame)

 This painting is a singular and unique painting in 19th century American art history. I know of no other painting like it in American art.

The painting is rare in that it conveys a “visual sutra” on the basic concepts of Buddhism, namely clarity of mind, non attachment, and stillness . . . leading to Buddha nature arising.

Mental clarity is symbolized by the clear water in the crystal clear glass vase.

Non-attachment is symbolized by the cut stalks of the flowers which are emphasized by the artist with glowing light. “Cut from the root” is a well known Buddhist phrase for non-attachment.

And the eye flows naturally up the stalks to the “stillness” of the daffodils in all their floral beauty.

And then . . . Buddha nature manifests, when the partial face of a meditating Buddha appears in the lights and darks of the flowers. Once seen, the face is remarkably clear and three dimensional.

The painting is visual poetry, a tour de force of layered painting and layered meaning, masterfully accomplished, and undiscovered for over 130 years or so until now. It is a remarkable fact that this painting was created about a hundred and thirty years ago.

There is a longer, more personal story about how the painting came to me and how I purchased it, not knowing that the meditating Buddha face was camouflaged in the flowers.

Read the story here.

Click image to view at larger size

Click image to view at larger size

I am now offering this painting for sale

 and am looking for a purchaser who would be willing to exhibit the painting in museums or other public spaces for the enjoyment of the public.