Artwork
Vase of flowers
Vase of flowers is an oil painting by Elias van den Broeck. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
About this work
Overview
Vase of flowers is an oil painting on canvas created by Dutch still life painter Elias van den Broeck around 1690. The work features a carefully arranged bouquet of flowers in a vase, set against a dark, muted background.
Subject & Meaning
The painting's subject is a loosely arranged floral bouquet in shades of pink, white, and orange, with stems and leaves spilling beyond the vase's boundaries. This composition reflects the Dutch still life tradition, emphasizing the beauty of everyday, ephemeral subjects.
Technique & Style
Van den Broeck employed chiaroscuro to create depth and dimension, with brightly lit foreground flowers contrasting with softer, muted background blooms. This use of light and shadow accentuates the textures and volumes of the floral arrangement.
History & Provenance
Elias van den Broeck, trained in the Dutch Republic, worked in Antwerp before establishing a successful career in Amsterdam, specializing in flower piece paintings. *Vase of flowers* exemplifies his output from this period.
Context
Created in the late 17th century, the painting situates itself within the flourishing Dutch still life genre, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and the capture of transient natural beauty.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of *Vase of flowers* are not provided, as a work by Van den Broeck, it contributes to the broader appreciation of 17th-century Dutch still life painting and the artist’s contribution to this tradition.
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…
