Capturing Nature's Beauty: Dutch Flower Paintings
25 October 2023
The popularity of flower painting emerged in Northern Netherlands as a result of prosperous trade, scientific advancement, and middle-class patronage in Dutch cities in the 17th century. We take a look at three of the artists featured in the 'Dutch Flowers' exhibition: Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, Balthasar van der Ast and Jan Davidsz. de Heem.
Artists in the area were commissioned by the prosperous middle classes, who were looking for other types of lifestyle painting to display within their homes. Sensual, luxurious items were painted in a smooth, realistic style and artists had access to newly invented microscopes, plus the knowledge of the botanical scientists in the area.
With the country's prosperous economy based on international trade, exotic flowers and items from around the world were more readily accessible and demonstrated the wealth of the Dutch merchant class who commissioned these works.
Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder (1573-1621)
Bosschaert was a pioneer in the history of Dutch still-life painting. His family were Protestant refugees who fled Antwerp and settled in Middelburg, a town famed for its botanical gardens which offered ample opportunity to study different specimens.
He specialised in painting precise flower and fruit still lifes, grouped in compositions that are carefully balance in form and colour.
He trained his brother-in-law Balthasar van der Ast and his three sons, Ambrosius the Younger, Johannes, and Abraham.
'A Still Life of Flowers in a Wan-Li Vase on a Ledge with further Flowers, Shells and a Butterfly (Oil on copper, 1609–10)' is an unusually large work that combines elements typical of his compositions. The extraordinary detail of his brushwork is enhanced by the smooth copper surface and the flowers are depicted with almost scientific precision.
Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, 1573-1621
A Still Life of Flowers in a Wan-Li Vase on a Ledge with further Flowers, Shells and a Butterfly, 1609-10
© The National Gallery, London
Balthasar van der Ast (1593/94-1657)
Born in Middelburg, van der Ast trained in the studio of his brother-in-law, Ambrosius Bosschaert. He followed his master’s precise style, creating increasingly complex yet carefully balanced compositions with the help of study sheets. Over 70 of van der Ast’s studies of flowers, insects and shells are still known today – an exceptionally high number.
The still life 'Flowers in a Vase with Shells and Insects (Oil on oak, about 1630)' demonstrates van der Ast’s skill in rendering texture. He expertly depicts the delicate, almost translucent petals of the rose and the more robust petals of the tulips.
Balthasar van der Ast, 1593/94-1657
Flowers in a Vase with Shells and Insects, about 1630
© The National Gallery, London
Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1606-1683/4)
De Heem was born in Utrecht and lived there until 1625, when he moved to Leiden before moving again to Antwerp. It's possible that he was a pupil of van der Ast, with his early style being similar.
De Heem was the most famous and influential still-life painter of his day. He played a vital role in turning the flat, symmetrical compositions from the early 17th century into more relaxed, fully rounded arrangements. De Heem’s lasting impact on the genre stemmed partly from his relatively large number of pupils.
'Flowers in a Glass Bottle on a Marble Plinth (Oil on oak, about 1664–5)' showcases his flawless use of colour and his talent for creating new, playful arrangements.
Jan Davidsz. de Heem, 1606-1683/4
Still Life, about 1664-5
© The National Gallery, London