This delicately painted floral still life, juxtaposing a variety of exotic and native blossoms with a bird's nest containing blue eggs and sumptuous fruit on a marble cornice, testifies to the extraordinary talent of Jacob van Huysum or one of his pupil from 18th century.

Van Huysum was the fourth oldest son of his father Justus and the younger brother of Jan, and he apprenticed in the workshop of a renowned family of still-life painters. A boisterous Baroque composition, coupled with meticulous attention to detail, characterizes the works of both brothers. Jacob is noteworthy because he took the van Huysum style with him to England, where he also made a name for himself as an imitator of great masters, following in his brother's footsteps. Houghton Hall in Norfolk houses several of van Huysum's mostly unsigned Italianate compositions after artists such as Michele Pace del Campidoglio. In fact, the relief of the putto on the flower vase in the present painting demonstrates van Huysum's familiarity with the art of Rome.

Literature: ThB XVIII, 1925, 207; Pavière, Flower II, 1963.

Inscription: unsigned

Technique: oil on canvas, magificent gilt frame.

Mesurements: unframed 19 1/4" x 22 1/2" (49 x 57 cm),  framed 29" x 32 1/2" (73,5 x 82,5 cm).

Condition: good condition, canvas profetion relined.