Oil on canvas

64 x 52 cm.

Framed: 85 x 71 cm.

This sumptuous floral still life, arranged by the artist within a stone arched niche, is a fine painting attributed to the circle of the renowned Dutch master Jan van Huysum (Amsterdam 1682–1749).

The composition follows the typical conventions of the so-called Pronkstilleven, a Dutch term that became widespread in the 18th century and literally means ‘opulent still life’, of which van Huysum is one of the leading European exponents.

The scene features a classical burnished terracotta vase, decorated in relief and placed on a solid stone base; it contains a complex arrangement of various floral species, arranged in an asymmetrical, vibrant and dynamic composition that spills over the edges of the vase.

Particularly striking is the juxtaposition of botanical species that bloom in different seasons, a compositional feature adopted by the masters of this pictorial genre as if to transcend the temporal limits of nature: in the foreground stands a large white tulip with dark blue streaks, its tousled petals catching the light, whilst on the left soft roses (including the famous Rosa centifolia, also known as the ‘painters’ rose’) bloom in shades of pure white and candy pink, painted with soft, lustrous petals. In the upper part, slender stems of carnations with jagged petals in shades of pink and bright red rise up, alongside supple branches of blue bluebells and white daffodils positioned right at the heart of the bouquet.

The artist makes skilful use of a strong chiaroscuro effect, with a powerful light streaming in from the left to fully illuminate the iridescent corollas, whilst casting the right-hand side and the back of the niche into shadow.

Adding a touch of poetry to our still life is the presence of three butterflies, perched gracefully on the stems, which represent a recurring element of extraordinary symbolic value in Jan van Huysum’s still lifes: these insects, as well as accentuating the incredible pictorial realism, carried with them a profound allegorical meaning linked to the concept of Vanitas.

Indeed, alongside their decorative purpose and the celebration of botanical richness, the presence of flowers captured at different stages of their life cycle (from plump buds to fully opened petals) conveys the classic moralising message about the transience of earthly beauty.

The same applies to the dewdrops on the leaves and on the table, which also allude to the transience and fragility of the flowers’ beauty, whilst at the same time being a skilful and frequent detail in the painter’s still lifes, always demonstrating his ability to capture light and transparency.

The painting displays the characteristic meticulousness that made the Van Huysum school famous: every petal, leaf vein and curved stem is studied from life with great precision. The inclusion of unruly, sinuous stems (such as the one at the bottom with the blue, unopened bellflowers on the right) serves to break up the rigidity of the composition, infusing it with a sense of freshness, movement and spontaneity.

Among his best-known works that incorporate the themes outlined above, we may mention the following paintings:

Fig. 1 – Jan van Huysum, Bouquet of Flowers, Uffizi, Florence

Fig. 2 – Jan van Huysum, Flowers in a Vase, Alte Pinakothek, Munich

Fig. 3 – Jan van Huysum, Still Life with Flowers and a Butterfly, Mauritshuis Museum, The Hague

Fig. 4 – Jan van Huysum, Basket of Flowers with Butterflies, Louvre, Paris

Fig. 5 – Jan van Huysum, Vase with Flowers in a Niche, Draiflessen Museum, Mettingen, Germany

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is complemented by an attractive gilded frame.

The work is sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

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

Please contact us for any further information; we will be delighted to assist you. It is also possible to 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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