Flowers in an Urn
c. 1720-1722
Jan van Huysum was notoriously secretive about his painting techniques, refusing to let anyone watch him work to protect his trade secrets. In this lush, overflowing bouquet, he defies the laws of nature by combining flowers that bloom in completely different seasons—like spring tulips and summer roses—into one impossible, perfect arrangement. Look closely at the bottom right, and you'll spot a delicate bird's nest with tiny blue eggs, adding a touch of fragile life to this masterful Baroque still life.
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