Dahlias were introduced into Europe over two hundred years ago, imported from Mexico to the Botanical Gardens in Madrid at the end of the eighteenth century. Their popularity spread quickly across the continent. Bringing a riot of colour to the garden at the end of the summer when most other plants have ceased flowering, Moll was captivated by the plant's late blooming and cheerful nature. In the present work, each brushstroke is a masterful exploration of the texture of the plant with a myriad of different tonalities of white, cream, yellow and pink, that capture the play of light on the petals to optimum effect.
[Sotheby’s, London - Oil on canvas, 60 x 60 cm]