Dutch artists of the 17th Century became fascinated by the natural world, light effects and perspective. Still-life painting was one aspect of that spirit of enquiry. The main centres for flower painting were Middelburg, Utrecht and Amsterdam and this tradition continued into the 18th century.
Apart from famous masters such as Pieter Claesz and Ambrosius Bosschaert, there were numerous painters of still-life whose names are now lost. Real flowers were portrayed with great accuracy but sometimes in impossible arrangements with blooms from all four seasons of the year. Inventive combinations of creatures were often included and here a butterfly, lizard and snail compete for our attention.
