Vase of Flowers (1722),

Jan Van Huysum (Dutch, 1682-1749)

Oil on panel

In this work, flowers from all times of year -- roses,
anemones, hyacinths, and tulips, among others -- have
been painted directly from life. Van Huysum's painstaking
application of multiple layers of thin oil glazes captures
the brilliant colors and delicate textures of the petals.
His vivid greens, however, were fugitive; here the leaves
have faded to blue. Because he insisted on only painting
each kind of flower while it was in season, it sometimes
took the artist years to complete a picture.