Artwork

Vase of Flowers

Vase of Flowers, by Jan Brueghel, the elder, oil, 1601
Vase of Flowers, by Jan Brueghel, the elder, oil, 1601

Vase of Flowers is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jan Brueghel, the elder. It dates from 1601 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Rendered in oil on copper leaf, the painting was created in 1601 by Jan Brueghel the Elder and is catalogued as a floral work within the Prado’s collection.

The work presents an arrangement of blooming tulips, roses and a butterfly amid a decorative porcelain vessel, a composition that merges natural abundance with symbols of wealth. The inclusion of Kraak ware, a type of Chinese export ceramic prized in the Dutch Republic, alludes to global trade and the transitory nature of life, while the butterfly reinforces themes of metamorphosis. Rendered in oil on copper leaf, the painting was created in 1601 by Jan Brueghel the Elder and is catalogued as a floral work within the Prado’s collection.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1601, this floral painting by Jan Brueghel the Elder utilizes oil paint applied over a support incorporating copper leaf. The work measures 48 cm in height and 35 cm in width. Stylistically, the composition features a dense arrangement of flowering plants, specifically depicting tulips and roses alongside a butterfly.

These botanical elements are presented within a Kraak porcelain vase, showcasing the artist's detailed approach to the floral genre.

History & Provenance

The work titled "Vase of Flowers" was painted by Jan Brueghel the Elder in 1601, as recorded in contemporary documentation.

Executed in oil paint with applied copper leaf, the composition depicts tulips, roses, a butterfly and Kraak porcelain, reflecting early‑17th‑century floral still‑life conventions.

The painting entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it remains on display, establishing its modern ownership chain from the artist to the museum.

The work is held in the permanent collection of the Museo del Prado, Madrid, where it is inventoried as P001421.

It was exhibited in 2019 as part of the exhibition Jan Brueghel and the Baroque Flower Pieces at the Museo del Prado (Madrid, 2019).

Overview

Vase of Flowers, painted by Jan Brueghel the Elder in 1601, exemplifies the Flemish Baroque tradition of still life painting. This oil on panel work showcases the artist's meticulous attention to botanical detail and material textures. It features a vibrant floral arrangement in a distinctive porcelain vase, set against a dark background, a characteristic approach for the period. The painting is housed in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid.

Context

Jan Brueghel the Elder was a prominent Flemish painter during the early 17th century, a period marked by the flourishing of the Baroque style. He specialized in highly detailed still lifes, a genre that gained significant popularity at the time. His works often incorporated exotic elements like Kraak porcelain, reflecting global trade routes, and he was also known for his collaborative projects with contemporaries such as Peter Paul Rubens.

Vase of Flowers
Vase of Flowers, Jan Brueghel, the elder

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan Brueghel, the elder

Artist

Jan Brueghel, the elder

Jan Brueghel the Elder ( BROY-gəl, US also BROO-gəl; Dutch:; 1568 – 13 January 1625) was a Flemish painter and draughtsman.

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museo del Prado open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Vase of Flowers?

Vase of Flowers was painted by Jan Brueghel, the elder in 1601-01-01.

Where can I see Vase of Flowers?

Vase of Flowers is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Vase of Flowers?

Vase of Flowers is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Can I buy a print of Vase of Flowers?

Museum-quality prints of Vase of Flowers are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.