Description: The rise of a middle-class culture and the spread of scientific knowledge were the catalysts for the flourishing of the arts in Europe from the 17th century onwards. The Dutch especially had a strong appreciation for flowers and developed a rich symbolism for them and the meanings and transitory nature of life, a curiosity about new discoveries in science and exploration, and a means of showing off their newly amassed wealth. For them, still lifes were not merely pretty things to look at.This exceptionally finely painted 18th century still life has many of the elements of the classic Dutch still lifes. The flowers were magnificently painted, with, of course, an open tulip included in the mixed bouquet. The light is reflected on the petals of the largest flower centered in the middle of the composition. The flowers almost look like so real that the desire to touch them has to be restrained.The artist seemed to illuminate the flowers toward the center of the composition, but then the flowers and leaves on the sides seem to have been regulated to shadows. (We’ll leave it to scholars of cultural symbolism to define the meaning behind this arrangement.) The large, rounded bowl is footed, allowing the artist to raise and center the flowers more accurately within the picture.The quality of the painting is outstanding. The dark background is again reminiscent of even earlier Dutch florals, with the colors harmonizing so well with each other.And yet, as fabulous a painting as this is, the original gilded frame, that appears to be hand-carved, in which it has been placed is as much a part of the beauty of this painting as the flowers themselves. There are numerous hand-carved flowers on the frame, along with corners that resemble classical fleur-d-Lys forms. The frame was hand-gilded in gold leaf, which has imparted a beautiful color to the entire work. It is monogramed with great flourish and dated ‘83 in the lower right corner.On the back of the wood board the name, “Gardi” and the dates 1712-1793 are inscribed in pencil. This name and these dates were also inscribed in pencil on the back of the hand-carved frame. This may have been a misspelling for the important Viennese artist, Francesco Guardi, who was born in 1712 and died in 1793, and primarily known for scenes of Venice, but why this appears there is a mystery.The painting is in excellent condition as it has had a good varnish to protect it. There is some minor crazing to the paint in a few spots. The frame has suffered a few small losses of the gesso and the carving here and there. There have been some minor touch-ups to the gilding over the years.The outstanding quality of this painting and its frame, both aged over two centuries, is self-evident and would be picture-perfect in the right setting.It measures 10-¼ inches wide by 8-¾ inches high, including the frame. Personal and cashier’s checks also accepted. Please contact for international shipping rates, as well as to Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. territories. Perry-Joyce Fine Arts Expertise in 18th and 19th Century Needlework, British Paintings, and 19th Century Decorative Arts with over 40 Years’ Experience
Price: 750 USD
Location: Sawyer, Michigan
End Time: 2025-01-04T16:04:05.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Type: Painting
Year of Production: 1783
Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
Style: Still Life
Production Technique: Oil Painting
Subject: Flowers
