Jan Davidsz. de Heem, Garland with Flowers and Insects

by Atelier Liesjes

Two blue ribbons secure a lush garland on either side; between them, a loose, abundant mass of flowers unfolds against an almost black background. In the bottom left-hand corner, a red-and-white-striped tulip bends outwards; in the centre of the bouquet, a soft pink rose and a heavy white peony are in full bloom; and on the right, the leaves of a crimson tulip curl inwards. Amidst the flowers, ears of corn, ripe cherries and small wild flowers—blue and violet—make an appearance. A grasshopper perches on the upper edge; high above, a butterfly with black-and-white wings hovers, whilst a second butterfly crawls across a tulip petal. The bows are painted with an almost tangible sheen on the silky blue.
Against that deep darkness, the colours become even more saturated: carmine red, vermilion, ivory white and a deep blue-green in the leaves. De Heem paints the flowers with almost microscopic precision, yet at the same time arranges them into a graceful, almost symmetrical garland. The garland is composed of species that bloom in different seasons, an artistic device through which the painter captures the whole year in a single image. Such garlands were popular as showpieces and often conveyed a vanitas theme: the flower blooms briefly, the butterfly lives for a summer. It is a still life that celebrates transience rather than laments it, and which invites the viewer to look closely.
Jan Davidsz. de Heem (Utrecht 1606 – Antwerp 1684) was trained by his father and by Balthasar van der Ast; he worked in Leiden and Utrecht before settling in Antwerp in 1636. There he developed the exuberant, showy still-life featuring fruit, flowers and precious objects, which was copied by generations of followers. His sons and grandsons continued the tradition in Antwerp, and his work is represented in virtually every major European collection. A rich, dark floral arrangement that instantly lends warmth and depth to any wall.