Floral Still Life with a Sunflower
1690
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1690
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white print shows a vase of flowers on a shelf. The vase sits in the center, holding a mix of roses, sunflowers, and smaller buds. The flowers spill over the sides, with long leaves trailing down. The background is plain and dark, making the flowers stand out. The artist used a technique that creates deep shadows and smooth tones. This style was common in prints from the 1600s. The sunflower’s petals are especially detailed, with each curve carefully drawn. Look up chiaroscuro to see how artists used light and shadow like this.
