Vase of Flowers

by Rachel Ruysch (1664-1750)

About this artwork

An opulent floral arrangement showcasing Ruysch's scientific precision and artistic virtuosity. Various flowers from different seasons are impossibly combined in a lavish display, demonstrating both botanical accuracy and artistic license. Each bloom is rendered with meticulous attention to texture, color, and light effects. Ruysch's compositions typically include symbolic elements—flowers in various stages from bud to decay subtly reference the transience of life. As court painter to the Elector Palatine and one of the most successful women artists of her time, Ruysch commanded prices comparable to leading male artists, achieving unprecedented professional success and longevity in her career.