Vase of Flowers
Jan Davidsz de Heem·c. 1660
Historical Context
Jan Davidsz de Heem's Vase of Flowers from around 1660 is a magnificent floral still life by the undisputed master of the genre in the 17th-century Netherlands. De Heem, who worked between Utrecht and Antwerp, synthesized the abundant Flemish tradition with Dutch tonal refinement to create the most sumptuous flower paintings of the Baroque era. Such elaborate bouquets, combining flowers from different seasons, were botanical fantasies that could never exist in nature.
Technical Analysis
De Heem's oil-on-canvas technique achieves extraordinary illusionism in rendering individual petals, dewdrops, and insects with meticulous precision. The dark background and concentrated lighting create dramatic contrasts that enhance the flowers' luminous colors and three-dimensional presence.
Provenance
Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild [1808-1879], London; by inheritance to his son, Leopold de Rothschild [1845-1917]; by inheritance to his son, Lionel Nathan de Rothschild [1882-1942], Exbury, Hampshire; by inheritance to his son, Edmund Leopold de Rothschild [1916-2009], Exbury; sold 1947 to (Frank Partridge and Sons, London).[1] Mr. McIntosh, Bridge Allen, Scotland.[2] (William Hallsborough Gallery, London, 1958). (Fritz Nathan and Peter Nathan, Zurich, 1959); (Paul Rosenberg & Co., New York); purchased 17 May 1961 by NGA. [1] The Rothschild provenance information was kindly provided by Michael Hall, curator to Edmund de Rothschild; see his "Rothschild Picture Provenances" from 1999 and letter of 27 February 2002, in NGA curatorial files, in which he cites relevant documents in The Rothschild Archive, London. [2] The McIntosh name is provided by Nathan and Nathan; see their letter of 24 September 1959, in NGA curatorial files.
See It In Person
More by Jan Davidsz de Heem
Still Life: A Banqueting Scene
Jan Davidsz de Heem·ca. 1640–41
_(attributed_to)_-_Fruit_Piece_with_Lemons%2C_Grapes%2C_Plums_and_Cherries_-_552-1870_-_Victoria_and_Albert_Museum.jpg&width=400)
Fruit piece with lemons, grapes, plums and cherries
Jan Davidsz. de Heem·ca. 1650
Interior of a Room with a young Man seated at a Table. A self-portrait.
Jan Davidsz. de Heem·1628
Madonna and Child Enthroned in a Fruit & Flower Garland
Jan Davidsz. de Heem·1648
