Artwork
A Vase of Flowers
A Vase of Flowers is an oil painting by Elias van den Broeck. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.
About this work
Overview
A Vase of Flowers is an oil painting created by Dutch still life painter Elias van den Broeck around 1690. It features a vase filled with a diverse, realistically depicted arrangement of flowers and leaves.
Subject & Meaning
The painting's subject is a floral arrangement emphasizing natural beauty. The serene and calm atmosphere conveyed may reflect the Dutch still life tradition's emphasis on contemplation and the fleeting nature of life.
Technique & Style
Van den Broeck employed meticulous realism to render the flowers and leaves, characteristic of his training under Jan Davidsz. de Heem. The palette is muted, with subdued colors in orange, yellow, white, and green, contributing to the overall sense of calm.
History & Provenance
Originally part of van den Broeck's output during his successful period in Amsterdam, the painting is now part of the Ashmolean Museum's collection.
Context
Created during the late 17th century, the work aligns with the Dutch Golden Age's still life traditions, which often featured intricate, realistic depictions of everyday subjects.
Legacy
While specific influence of *A Vase of Flowers* is not broadly documented, it represents van den Broeck's contribution to the Dutch still life genre, reflecting techniques and aesthetics of his time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Elias van den Broeck (c. 1652 in probably in Amsterdam – buried 6 February 1708 in Amsterdam) was a Dutch still life painter mainly known for his flower pieces. He trained in the Dutch Republic and worked for some time…
