Flowers in a Wan-Li Vase, with Shells

1108 voorzijde

Flowers in a Wan-Li Vase, with Shells

Balthasar van derĀ Ast
c.c.1640 - 1650

1108 - zaal 16

Van der Ast introduced a number of important innovations into flower still-lifes. This bouquet is painted much more freely than those of his predecessors, and is restricted to just a few types of flower. This makes it easier to imagine that this elegant bouquet actually existed.

The flowers exude an air of exclusivity, which is reinforced by the costly vase of Chinese porcelain and the collection of exotic shells.

oil on panel
53 x 43 cm.
Loan Friends of the Mauritshuis Foundation, 1996