Still Life of Flowers in a Renaissance Vase

Oil on canvas

67 x 88 cm.

In frame (minor losses and imperfections) 79 x 98 cm.

The work depicts a rich and spectacular still life of flowers arranged within a magnificent, monumental vase inspired by Renaissance taste.

At the centre is a dense and highly colourful array of flora arranged symmetrically, featuring large striped tulips, carnations in shades of orange and red, roses mottled with pink and white, anemones and small white wildflowers arranged with calligraphic precision. The artist demonstrates great skill in rendering the tactile quality of the various elements, meticulously depicting the soft texture of the petals and the green leaves that intertwine within the composition.

A key element of the painting is the opulent gilded metal vessel resting on decorated scroll-shaped feet, set upon a grey stone base featuring striking veining and cracks – a typical Baroque device to evoke the passage of time and the fragility of things (the concept of Vanitas).

The body of the vase is adorned in relief with characteristic ‘grotesque’ decorations, which originated in the Renaissance; in this case, these consist of imaginative, stylised plant and marine motifs.

The shape and decoration of this vase, as well as the arrangement of the floral bouquet, reflect a style that was very widespread in the 17th century, which ties in with the body of work that art historians have grouped under the name ‘Master of the Grotesque Vase’.

This is a conventional term used to identify not a single artist but a workshop or a group of painters united by extremely recognisable figurative designs and motifs, which are inconsistent in terms of style and quality, depicting bouquets of flowers in ‘antique-style’ vases.

The composition of the bouquets often appears archaic, schematic and at times symmetrical, characterised by a distinctive plastic and naturalistic rendering of the plants, which frequently resemble rigid silhouettes cut out and applied to the canvas.

Their work was produced mainly in Rome and Naples, but also in northern Italy, during the 17th century, reflecting a figurative tradition in which Flemish, Nordic and French influences of the period converged.

Another typical feature is the choice to set the composition sharply against a completely dark background, emphasising the vibrant colours of the petals and the metallic sheen of the gold on the vase.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is framed in a lovely gilded frame.

The artwork is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased artworks, both within Italy and abroad, via professional and insured carriers.

Please contact us for any enquiries; we will be delighted to assist you. You can also view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.

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