Artwork
Bouquet in a Wan-Li Vase with a Gilt Mount
Bouquet in a Wan-Li Vase with a Gilt Mount is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Balthasar van der Ast. It dates from 1619 and is held in the collection of the Norton Simon Museum.
About this work
Overview
Bouquet in a Wan-Li Vase with a Gilt Mount is a 1619 oil painting by Dutch artist Balthasar van der Ast, known for his still lifes featuring flowers and other natural elements.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a diverse bouquet of flowers, including tulips, lilies, and roses, arranged in a Kraak porcelain vase with a gilt base, some of which are spilling onto the table, showcasing the transience of the flowers.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by its realistic rendering, with detailed textures and intricate patterns on the vase, demonstrating the artist's skill in capturing the subtleties of natural forms.
History & Provenance
Created during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of significant artistic and commercial growth, the painting is now part of the Norton Simon Museum's collection.
Context
The use of Kraak porcelain, a type of Chinese export ware, reflects the Netherlands' extensive trade networks during this period, highlighting the cultural exchange that influenced artistic production.
Artist & collection
Artist
Balthasar van der Ast (Middelburg, 1593/94 – Delft, 7 March 1657) was a Dutch Golden Age painter who specialized in still lifes of flowers and fruit, as well as painting a number of remarkable shell still lifes; he is…
