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.
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.