Floral Still Life, Hans Bollongier, 1639
oil on panel, h 67.6cm × w 53.3cm Catalogue entry
This exuberant bouquet may look natural, but tulips, anemones, roses and carnations do not all bloom at the same time. Bollongier nevertheless managed to assemble a balanced composition. The still life was painted shortly after the Dutch stock market crashed in 1637, when many people went bankrupt due to the speculation in tulip bulbs. This festive bouquet may thus refer to the transience of earthly matters.
