Bouquet of flowers in a glass vase by Jan van Kessel the Elder

Bouquet of flowers in a glass vase

Jan van Kessel the Elder · 1659

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“This 1659 still life by Jan van Kessel the Elder offers an incredibly detailed look at a bouquet, inviting you to discover hidden insects and exquisite botanical accuracy within its vibrant composition.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

In this vibrant still life from 1659, a profusion of flowers bursts forth from a simple glass vase, capturing a moment of fleeting beauty. The arrangement is less about formal grandeur and more about the meticulous observation of individual blooms, each petal and leaf rendered with astonishing detail. Look closely at the delicate variations in color and texture, from the velvety reds of the roses to the intricate patterns on the tulip petals. This painting reflects a 17th-century fascination with the natural world, a time when collecting and categorizing flora and fauna was a passionate pursuit. It invites us to pause and appreciate the transient perfection of nature, presented with an almost scientific accuracy that still feels incredibly alive.

DETAILS
Artist
Jan van Kessel the Elder
Date
1659
Location
Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Bouquet of flowers in a glass vase
01

The tiny droplet of water clinging to a leaf near the vase's rim.

02

A small, iridescent beetle nestled among the lower petals.

03

The delicate transparency of the glass vase, distorted by water.

04

The subtle shadows cast by the petals on the leaves below.

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THE ARTIST

Jan van Kessel the Elder

1626–1679 · Habsburg Netherlands

Jan van Kessel the Elder, a Flemish painter and great-grandson of Pieter Bruegel the Elder, meticulously captured the natural world, from insects to allegorical continents.

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