Vase of Flowers with Butterflies in a Niche, Jan Van Huysum (Amsterdam 1682 – 1749) circle

Flowerpot with butterflies in a niche
Circle of Jan Van Huysum (Amsterdam 1682 – 1749)

Oil painting on canvas

64 x 52 cm. – In frame 85 x 71 cm.

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This sumptuous floral still life, arranged by the artist inside a stone arched niche, is a valuable painting whose authorship can be placed within the circle of the famous Dutch master Jan van Huysum (Amsterdam 1682 – 1749).

The composition follows the typical canons of the so-called Pronkstilleven, a Dutch term that became widespread in the 18th century and literally means “sumptuous still life”, of which van Huysum is one of the greatest European exponents.

The scene is occupied by a classic vase in burnished terracotta decorated in relief and placed on a solid stone surface; it contains a complex composition of various floral species, arranged in an asymmetrical, vibrant and dynamic structure, which overflows from the space of the vase.

The juxtaposition of botanical species blooming in different seasons stands out, a compositional feature adopted by masters of this genre as if to transcend the temporal limitations of nature. In the foreground, a large white tulip with dark blue streaks dominates, its disheveled petals catching the light. On the left, soft roses (including the celebrated Rosa centifolia, also known as the "painter's rose") open in shades of pure white and candy pink, painted with soft, glossy petals. Slender stems of carnations with jagged petals in shades of pink and bright red rise above, alongside supple branches of blue bellflowers and white daffodils positioned right at the heart of the bouquet.

The artist plays on a strong chiaroscuro system, with a powerful light coming from the left and fully illuminating the changing corollas, leaving the right side and the back of the niche in shadow.

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

Indeed, beyond the decorative intent and the celebration of botanical richness, the presence of flowers picked at different stages of their life cycle (from turgid buds to fully opened petals) contains the classic moralizing message on the transience of earthly beauty.

And the same goes for the dewdrops, on the leaves and on the surface, which also allude to the transience and fragility of the beauty of flowers, as well as being a virtuoso and frequent detail in the painter's still lifes, always capable of demonstrating his ability to capture light and transparency.

The painting displays the typical meticulousness that made Van Huysum's school famous: every petal, leaf vein, and curved stem is studied from life with great precision. The inclusion of unruly, sinuous stems (like the one below with the unopened blue bellflower flowers on the right) serves to break up the rigidity of the composition and instill a sense of freshness, movement, and spontaneity.

Among his best-known works, which include the themes just mentioned, we can mention the following paintings:

imm.1 – Jan van Huysum, Bouquet of flowers, Uffizi Florence
image2 – Jan van Huysum, Flowers in a vase, Alte Pinakothek, Munich
image 3 – Jan van Huysum, Still Life of Flowers with a Butterfly, Mauritshuis Museum, The Hague
image 4 – Jan van Huysum, Basket of Flowers with Butterflies, Louvre Paris
Image 5 – Jan van Huysum, Vase with flowers in a niche, Draiflessen Museum, Mettingen Germany

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is completed with a pleasant golden frame.

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

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

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