Still life with flowers, Hans Bollongier, 1639
This exuberant bouquet looks natural, but tulips, anemones, roses and carnations do not bloom simultaneously in nature. However, Bollongier put together a balanced composition with it. The still life was painted shortly after the stock market crash in 1637, when many went bankrupt due to speculation in tulip bulbs. So perhaps the festive bouquet refers to the transience of earthly things.
Rijksmuseum
Rights: CC0
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