Artwork
Flowers in a sculptured vase
Flowers in a sculptured vase is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Bartolomé Pérez. It dates from 1666 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
About this work
Overview
Flowers in a sculptured vase is a 1666 oil painting by Spanish Baroque artist Bartolomé Pérez de la Dehesa, depicting a floral arrangement in a distinctive vase against a dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The painting showcases a vibrant floral arrangement with varied blooms (red roses, white lilies, yellow, pink, and orange flowers) in a sculptured vase. A small figure within the vase holds additional stems, while the vase features a carved face, introducing an element of surprise.
Technique & Style
Pérez de la Dehesa employed chiaroscuro to dramatic effect, with bright, lifelike flowers (achieved through soft-edged brushwork) contrasting sharply against a shadowy background, enhancing the overall sense of depth and realism.
History & Provenance
Created in 1666 by Pérez de la Dehesa, a pupil and son-in-law of Juan de Arellano, the painting is now part of the Fitzwilliam Museum's collection.
Context
Although influenced by the Dutch Golden Age still life genre, the work reflects Pérez de la Dehesa's specialization in *bodegones* (Spanish flower paintings), blending international styles with his Madrid upbringing.
Legacy
While the painting's broader impact is not extensively highlighted in available information, it exemplifies the Spanish Baroque's contribution to still life painting and the enduring appeal of chiaroscuro techniques in art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bartolomé Pérez de la Dehesa (1634 – 16 January 1693) was a Spanish painter of the Baroque period.
