Vase of flowers and corncobs in a niche, Rachel Ruysch from the old master collection

Vase of flowers and corncobs in a niche, Rachel Ruysch (1742)

Take a look at this enchanting floral painting from 1742 by Rachel Ruysch, one of the most renowned female Dutch painters and a standout artist of the Dutch Golden Age. Throughout her impressive career spanning over 60 years, Ruysch mastered a diverse array of still lifes. Her repertoire ranged from minimalist flower sprays to complex woodland scenes teeming with reptiles and amphibians, as well as from modest bouquets to elaborate, large-scale floral arrangements buzzing with insect life and accompanied by matching fruit pieces.

Ruysch's most remarkable flower paintings were created between 1700 and 1720. During this period, she worked for wealthy Dutch businessmen, including Allard de la Court van der Voort, a textile merchant from Leiden. She also enjoyed the patronage of foreign dignitaries and aristocrats such as the Prince of Anhalt-Koethen, the Elector Palatine of Dusseldorf, and Cosimo III de Medici, the Grand Duke of Florence.

The artworks sought by these discerning collectors were Ruysch's finest, showcasing her exceptional skill in complex composition and meticulous detailing. Achieved through layers of delicate glazing, precise observation, and confident brushwork, these paintings often required a year or more to complete.