Nicolae Grigorescu is the most appreciated Romanian artist of the 19th century, he became known as the “national painter” of the young country, which at that time was trying to establish itself in Europe. The artist began his artistic career at an early age, creating icons and religious scenes for churches and monasteries, the most famous being the works from the monasteries of Căldărușani, Agapia and Zamfira. He would complete his studies in Paris, at the cultural epicenter of Europe, where he first came into contact with the Impressionist artists, whom he would follow to the colony at Barbizon. Nicolae Grigorescu’s works have a profoundly national character, ranging from large-scale compositions commemorating the sacrifice of Romanian soldiers who fought for the country’s independence to works produced in Câmpina, depicting the Romanian countryside, populated by characters dressed in folk costume. Grigorescu’s work is lyrical, a late influence of Romanticism, which is also evident in the literature of the time (a parallel can be drawn with Eminescu’s poetry). Among the artist’s most tender works are his still lifes with flowers. The painting in the collection of the National Art Museum in Timișoara depicts an apple branch, without a vase, suspended against a dark background. The flowers are emphasized by the use of both light and dark contrast and complementary contrast (green and pink). The subject is placed in a dark area, with the only highlights of light being on the flowers and leaves; perspective is outlined towards the upper right corner, where the opening to the sky is made. By selecting this work for the “Exhibit of the Month” project, the National Art Museum Timișoara celebrates the coming of spring and invites you to visit the exhibitions it hosts. “Nicolae Grigorescu’s apple branch exemplifies one of the most delicate sides of Grigorescu’s creation. The subject has held a special fascination for Impressionist artists, from Claude Monet’s Water Lilies to van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms. The severity of the chiaroscuro contrast brings to mind the still lifes of the Golden Age of Dutch painting, but the artist’s relaxed technique gives the work an air of freshness.” Babușceac Alexandru-Victor, museographer