Artwork

De Poolse Muts

De Poolse Muts, by Balthasar van der Ast, 1625
De Poolse Muts, by Balthasar van der Ast, 1625

De Poolse Muts is a drawing by the Baroque artist Balthasar van der Ast. It dates from 1625 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

De Poolse Muts is a drawing by Balthasar van der Ast, a Dutch still-life painter active around the early 17th century.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a single pink carnation, labeled 'The Polish Cap', suggesting the flower's exotic origin. The inscription may indicate that the flower was perceived as coming from a distant land.

Technique & Style

Rendered with precise, delicate lines, the drawing showcases Van der Ast's attention to detail. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that utilizes light and shadow, adds depth and realism to the simple subject.

History & Provenance

The drawing is a study for larger floral compositions, demonstrating Van der Ast's working method. Such botanical studies were likely used as references for more elaborate paintings.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Balthasar van der Ast

Artist

Balthasar van der Ast

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…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.