Artwork
Flower Piece
Flower Piece is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Franz Werner Tamm. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1700, this oil painting by Franz Werner Tamm presents a solitary floral arrangement. The work is a still‑life that focuses on a single, abundant bunch of blossoms set within a dark vessel. It is part of the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it is displayed among other examples of early‑18th‑century Dutch‑influenced painting.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a cluster of pale‑toned flowers, predominantly white, accompanied by deep‑green foliage and stems. The muted palette and the isolation of the bouquet against a shadowy backdrop invite contemplation of transience and the quiet beauty of nature, themes common in still‑life traditions of the period.
Technique & Style
Tamm employs a pronounced impasto, laying thick layers of paint on the petals and leaves that create a tactile surface. The dark, almost nocturnal background contrasts sharply with the luminous blossoms, enhancing their three‑dimensional presence. Brushwork is vigorous yet controlled, emphasizing texture while maintaining overall compositional balance.
History & Provenance
Since its creation at the turn of the 18th century, the painting has remained within the public domain, eventually entering the holdings of Denmark’s national gallery, the Statens Museum for Kunst. Its provenance reflects the museum’s focus on acquiring works that illustrate the development of Northern European still‑life painting.
Artist & collection
