Black Iris (painting)

Black Iris, sometimes referred to as Black Iris III, is a 1926 painting by American modernist artist Georgia O'Keeffe. The painting depicts a close-up view of a dark, velvety iris flower, rendered in shades of purple, black, and deep blue. While the title refers to the flower's color as "black," the painting actually uses a nuanced range of dark hues to convey the depth and texture of the petals.

Black Iris is part of a series of large-scale flower paintings that O'Keeffe created in the 1920s. These works, characterized by their intimate perspective and abstracted forms, are often interpreted as explorations of female sexuality and the power of nature. O'Keeffe herself resisted such overtly sexual interpretations, maintaining that she simply wanted to paint the flower as she saw it and make others notice its beauty.

The painting is considered one of O'Keeffe's most iconic works and is recognized for its bold composition and evocative use of color. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Its significance lies in its representation of O'Keeffe's distinct artistic style and its contribution to the development of modern art in America. The painting exemplifies O'Keeffe's focus on form, color, and composition, transforming a natural subject into a powerful and emotionally resonant image.