Artwork
A Vase of Flowers
A Vase of Flowers is an oil painting by Simon Pietersz Verelst. It dates from 1692 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.
About this work
Overview
A Vase of Flowers is an oil painting created by Anglo-Dutch artist Simon Pietersz Verelst around 1692. It depicts a floral arrangement in a vase, characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age still life tradition.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on a carefully composed bouquet in a decorative vase, with flowers displayed in varied orientations. The subject embodies the era's appreciation for naturalism and domestic elegance.
Technique & Style
Verelst employed oil paint to achieve detailed, realistic renderings of petals, leaves, and the vase's surface sheen. The palette features muted tones of pink, white, and orange, contributing to a serene atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1692, the work is now part of the Ashmolean Museum's collection, reflecting its significance within the Dutch Golden Age's still life oeuvre.
Context
A Vase of Flowers situates itself within the late 17th-century Dutch tradition of flower still lifes, emphasizing meticulous detail and realistic depiction of natural subjects.
Artist & collection
Artist
Simon Pietersz Verelst (1644–c. 1710-1717) was an Anglo-Dutch painter. He is known for outstanding flower and fruit still life paintings.
