Artwork
Columbine surrounded by butterflies

Columbine surrounded by butterflies is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Otto Marseus van Schrieck. It dates from 1672 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Columbine surrounded by butterflies is a 1672 oil painting by Dutch Golden Age artist Otto Marseus van Schrieck, characterized by its serene depiction of a columbine plant amidst a flurry of butterflies.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on a tall columbine with green leaves and purple flowers, encircled by diverse butterflies in various states of rest and flight. This composition highlights Schrieck's emphasis on natural subjects, conveying a sense of calm within a natural setting.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the work aligns with Flemish Baroque traditions. Notable techniques include the contrast between the vivid, detailed flora and fauna in the foreground and the dark, blurred background, suggesting a wooded environment.
History & Provenance
Created in 1672, the painting is part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection. While specific ownership histories before its acquisition are not detailed here, its presence in this prominent museum underscores its significance within 17th-century Dutch art.
Context
Schrieck's specialization in forest flora and fauna situates *Columbine surrounded by butterflies* within the broader Dutch Golden Age fascination with natural history and detailed botanical representations.
Legacy
As a representative of Schrieck's oeuvre, the painting contributes to the enduring appreciation of Dutch Golden Age artists' contributions to botanical and naturalistic art, though its individual impact on later art movements is not explicitly defined in available information.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Otto Marseus van Schrieck (ca. 1613, in Nijmegen – buried 22 June 1678, in Amsterdam) was a painter in the Dutch Golden Age. He is best known for his paintings of forest flora and fauna.












