Who painted Thistles, butterflies and a lizard?

Thistles, butterflies and a lizard was painted by Abraham Begeyn in 1677.

Where can I see Thistles, butterflies and a lizard?

Thistles, butterflies and a lizard is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

What movement is Thistles, butterflies and a lizard?

Thistles, butterflies and a lizard is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Thistles, butterflies and a lizard

Abraham Begeyn , 1677

Thistles, butterflies and a lizard is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Abraham Begeyn. It dates from 1677 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Abraham Begeyn’s oil painting, dated around 1677, presents a compact still‑life composition dominated by a sizable thistle. The work is part of the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw and measures a modest size, allowing close inspection of its intricate natural elements.

Subject & Meaning

At the centre of the canvas stands a robust thistle, its green foliage and spiny stems rendered with careful observation. Flitting around the plant are several butterflies in vivid yellows, blues and oranges, while a small lizard rests on the lower right, adding a touch of fauna that underscores the painter’s interest in the diversity of the natural world.

Technique & Style

Begeyn employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, using a deep, muted background to make the illuminated thistle and the bright insects emerge with striking contrast. The brushwork captures fine textures—the velvety petals, the delicate wing membranes, and the scaly skin of the lizard—demonstrating a meticulous approach to surface detail.

History & Provenance

Created in the late seventeenth century, the painting entered the National Museum in Warsaw’s holdings during the 20th century, though the exact path of acquisition remains undocumented in public records. Its presence in the museum reflects the institution’s broader collection of Dutch Baroque still‑life works.