Still Life: Flowers and Fruit

Jan van Os 1744 - 1808

Summary

Van Os was one of van Huysum's greatest followers and his equal in rendering minute detail. These flowers are arranged in a tall asymmetrical bouquet with heavy roses beneath, topped with carnations, peonies, sweet pea and foxgloves. Fruit is arranged around the stone pedestal beneath, including, from left to right, black grapes, a melon, walnuts, a fig, plums, a pineapple and white grapes. A mouse sits on a corn cob in the bottom left corner. Van Os has deliberately chosen specimens with varied textures and shapes. For example, the hard protective skins of the melon and pineapple contrast with the soft, delicate petals of the flowers. The mouse, flies and moths appear as if they could move at any moment. The fruit spills over the ledge in the foreground, inviting us to touch, smell and taste it.

Display Label

Still life: Flowers and Fruit late 1700s Jan van Os 1744-1808 Oil on panel Van Os’s painting exudes abundance, luxury and wealth. The fruits spill over the ledge in the foreground, inviting us to touch and smell them. Van Os arranged the flowers in a gentle curve and deliberately chose specimens with varied textures and shapes. For example, the hard protective skins of the melon and pineapple contrast with the soft, delicate petals of the flowers. The artist enlivened his painting with flies and moths that seem so realistic they could move at any moment. He even included a mouse nibbling on some corn. Assheton Bennett bequest 1979.484