Artwork
De Poolse Muts

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
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…

















