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Flowers and Gardens, 1982

Flowers are more than merely decorative. People throughout time have used them as storytelling devices.
This article is part of From the Vaults, a series that shines a light on the Museum’s audiovisual archive.

Flowers are more than merely decorative. People throughout time have used them as storytelling devices. Across eras and cultures, they have been cherished for their healing properties, as well as their religious and folkloric significance. In this 1982 film, learn more about flowers in The Met collection, from the daily floral arrangements that grace the Great Hall to the medieval gardens at The Met Cloisters. Explore the paintings of Monet, Manet, and Redon and see several standout examples of Japanese decorative art, including a portable picnic set that draws design inspiration from the peony blossom.

As part of The Met’s 150th anniversary in 2020, each month we will release three to four films from the Museum’s extensive moving-image archive, which comprises over 1,500 films, both made and collected by the Museum, from the 1920s onward. This includes rarely seen artist profiles and documentaries, as well as process films about art-making techniques and behind-the-scenes footage of the Museum.

New films every week: https://www.metmuseum.org/150/from-the-vaults

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