Tony Scherman (b. 1950) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. The artist is renowned internationally for his work, typically executed in encaustic, a mix of beeswax, oil, and pigment (one of the most difficult mediums to work in).

Scherman's moody palette and sumptuous figurative subjects (whether contemporary, historical, or allegorical) reference the titans of figurative painting ranging from Goya to Manet.

Peonies are one of Scherman's preferred flowers. He has repeatedly depicted them on canvas, on paper, and in graphics. The flowers are voluminous, intricate, and balance boldness and fragility. While peonies are large flowers, surrounded by deeply lobed leaves, they have a notoriously short blooming season of only about 7 days. Perhaps this is what makes them so special (and poetic) - while they are exceptionally impressive they are also extremely ephemeral.

This moody depiction of a single peony is a fantastic example of Scherman's signature aesthetic and technique. Rich, textured layers of creamy mauve and deep purple are spontaneous yet controlled, creating a balanced composition that captures the peony’s abundance. Unique to this work is the flower’s downward position, showcasing the weight of its head which is supported by a single, delicate stem.

Tony Scherman’s work can be found in nearly every public collection in Canada, as well as many international museums including LACMA (Los Angeles) and Centre Pompidou (Paris).