Flower arrangement in a Renaissance vase, Master of the Grotesque Vases (active in Rome and Naples in the first quarter of the 17th century)

Master of the Grotesque Vases (active in Rome and Naples in the first quarter of the 17th century)
Flower arrangement in a Renaissance vase

oil painting on canvas
67 x 88 cm. – with frame (small losses and defects): 79 x 98 cm.

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The work shows a rich and scenographic still life of flowers placed inside a precious monumental vase inspired by the taste of the Renaissance.

At the center is a dense and colorful botanical display that unfolds symmetrically, including large striped tulips, orange and red carnations, roses streaked with pink and white, anemones, and small white wildflowers, arranged with calligraphic care. The artist demonstrates great skill in the tactile rendering of the various elements, meticulously depicting the soft texture of the petals and the green leaves that intertwine in space.

The key element of the painting is the luxurious gilded metal container resting on decorated volute feet, placed on a grey stone surface featuring a striking grain 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 decorated in relief with the characteristic 'grotesque' decorations, born in the Renaissance, in our case imaginative stylised plant and marine motifs.

The shape and decoration of our vase, as well as the structure of the floral bouquet, reflect a model that was very popular in the seventeenth century, which is linked to the corpus of works that art historians have gathered under the name of “Master of the Grotesque Vase”.

This is a conventional name used to identify not a single artist but a workshop or group of painters united by extremely recognizable figurative drawings and models, heterogeneous in terms of style and quality, depicting bunches of flowers in “old-fashioned” vases.

The arrangement of the bouquet of flowers often appears archaic, schematic and sometimes symmetrical, characterised by a particular plastic and naturalistic rendering of the plants, which often appear as rigid silhouettes cut out and applied to the canvas.

Their activity developed mainly between Rome and Naples, but also in Northern Italy, during the 17th century, reflecting a figurative culture in which Flemish, Nordic and French influences of the time converged.

Also typical is the choice to stand out the composition sharply against a completely dark background, enhancing the chromatic brilliance of the petals and the metallic sheen of the gold of the vase.

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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