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Still life with flowers by Ottmar Elliger

Ottmar Elliger · 1673-01-01

Ottmar Elliger’s *Still life with flowers* (1673), now at the Rijksmuseum, is a dazzling display of illusion in paint. The artist’s meticulous brushwork makes every surface incredibly real.

From the luminous reflections on the glazed vase to the velvety texture of the iris and the soft, layered petals of the pink rose, Elliger brings these elements to life. The varied textures and intricate details showcase his remarkable skill in capturing the fleeting beauty of nature.

Elliger, born in Gothenburg in 1633, trained under the renowned flower painter Daniel Seghers in Antwerp. He later became a court painter in Berlin. His work exemplifies the 17th-century Flemish tradition of floral still lifes, blending scientific observation with decorative artistry.

What other subtle details do you notice in his masterful rendering?

Details

See how the light catches the glazed vase, almost wet.
See how the light catches the glazed vase, almost wet.
Then look at the delicate blue iris, rendered in velvety paint.
Then look at the delicate blue iris, rendered in velvety paint.
The layered petals of this pink rose appear impossibly soft.
The layered petals of this pink rose appear impossibly soft.
He trained with a famous flower painter in Antwerp, Daniel Seghers.
He trained with a famous flower painter in Antwerp, Daniel Seghers.
The deep, dark background makes the brightly colored flowers and objects pop, emphasizing their form and texture.
The deep, dark background makes the brightly colored flowers and objects pop, emphasizing their form and texture.
Transcript

This painter was a master of surfaces and light. See how the light catches the glazed vase, almost wet. Then look at the delicate blue iris, rendered in velvety paint. The layered petals of this pink rose appear impossibly soft. He trained with a famous flower painter in Antwerp, Daniel Seghers. Every petal and reflection, a trick of oil on canvas.