Artwork
Bouquet of Flowers on a Ledge
Bouquet of Flowers on a Ledge is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ambrosius Bosschaert. It is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The butterfly frequently represents transformation or the soul, whereas the exotic shell alludes to global trade and the rarity of the depicted objects.
The work presents a meticulously arranged still life featuring a dense bouquet of flowers resting on a stone ledge. The composition includes specific botanical specimens such as tulips, roses, narcissi, carnations, and fritillaries, alongside a dragonfly. These floral elements are contained within a vase, which is accompanied by a seashell and a butterfly.
In the tradition of Dutch flower painting, the inclusion of diverse blooms often signifies the beauty and variety of nature, while the presence of the butterfly and seashell introduces layers of symbolic meaning. The butterfly frequently represents transformation or the soul, whereas the exotic shell alludes to global trade and the rarity of the depicted objects. Together, these elements create a visual meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the preciousness of the natural world.
Technique & Style
Bouquet of Flowers on a Ledge is an oil painting created on a copper support in 1650. It depicts a variety of flowers, including tulips, roses, narcissi, carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus), and fritillaries, accompanied by a dragonfly, a butterfly, and a seashell beside the vase. Executed in the Dutch still-life tradition, the composition showcases meticulous botanical detail and a rich palette.
The painting is part of the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, having previously belonged to Hannah Locke Carter and Edward W. Carter.
History & Provenance
Bouquet of Flowers on a Ledge, an oil-on-copper still life dated 1650 and attributed to Ambrosius Bosschaert, was owned by Hannah Locke Carter and Edward W. Carter before entering the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where it is now held. No specific accession number or exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
Overview
Created circa 1650 by Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, this small‑scale still life is executed on a copper plate. It belongs to the Dutch Golden Age and presents a carefully arranged bouquet set upon a wooden ledge, rendered with a high degree of naturalistic detail.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder (18 January 1573 – 1621) was a Flemish-born Dutch still life painter and art dealer.
