Artwork
Twelve Months of Flowers: December
Twelve Months of Flowers: December is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jacob van Huysum. It dates from 1732 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
About this work
Overview
Twelve Months of Flowers: December is an 1732 oil painting by Jacob van Huysum, a Dutch-born botanical artist active in Britain. The work is characterized by its naturalistic depiction of a flower arrangement and is associated with the Rococo movement.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a seasonal flower arrangement in a golden vase, accompanied by scattered fruits and leaves on a wooden surface. The subtle inscription 'DECEMBER' indicates it is likely one part of a series representing the twelve months.
Technique & Style
Van Huysum employed his detailed, naturalistic style to render the flowers in varied shades of orange, yellow, and white, set against a dark backdrop. The composition reflects the Rococo emphasis on elegance and careful observation of nature.
History & Provenance
Created in 1732, the painting is now part of the Fitzwilliam Museum's collection. Van Huysum had settled in Britain by 1721, and this work exemplifies his output during his British period.
Context
As a Rococo piece, it aligns with 18th-century European artistic trends favoring delicacy and natural themes. The botanical accuracy also speaks to the era's scientific and horticultural interests.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacob van Huysum (1688–1740) was an 18th-century botanical painter from the Dutch Republic who moved to the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1721.
