Calla Lilies

Widely regarded as one of Lambdin’s masterpieces, Calla Lilies is a work of heightened realism, devoid of context and background so as to amplify the stoic beauty that he found in his subject. With its black background, the stark white of the lilies stands out dramatically, but upon closer examination the shades of white and cream convey the subtle undulations in the blooms’ form. The varying shades of green are also amplified, with the stems and leaves serving as vehicles of the unknown light source that shines on the arrangement, highlighting the leaves’ internal structure.