38 JAN VAN HUYSUM Perhaps more than any other artist, Jan van Huysum reflects the Dutch fascination Dutch, 1682-1749 with nature and its myriad details. He worked at a time when the Dutch republic was Vase of Flowers, 1722 already past its so-called golden age and had acquired the sophisticated taste and love Oil on panel of embellishment that we associate with the Rococo period in France. Van Huysum's 79.5 x 61 cm (31¼ x 24 in.) work reflects this change in taste while retaining a fidelity to subject matter that was On ledge, signed JAN VAN HUYSUM FECIT 1722 part of an established Dutch tradition. 82.PB.70 Van Huysum invariably included many different kinds of flowers in his pictures, often recently bred or newly acquired specimens brought to him by Amsterdam's avid flower collectors. Enormous sums of money were spent on flowers at the time, and the circle of connoisseurs surrounding Van Huysum could well appreciate his ability to depict them so exactly. The details of his highly finished technique were a jealously guarded secret. The composition of Vase of Flowers is relatively straightforward. The vase is centrally placed with no more background than a slanting ray of light, which sets off the bouquet. Another Van Huysum painting in the Museum's collection, which depicts both flowers and fruit, is also dated 1722 and may be a companion piece. The second picture, however, is composed asymmetrically; fruit flows over the ledge upon which it has been placed, some of the grapes and the pomegranate are already bursting and overripe. Although these features may simply be intended to evoke a luxurious standard of living, they may also be meant to contrast with the unspoiled quality of Vase of Flowers. BF Fruit Piece, 1722 Oil on panel 79.5 x 61 cm (31¼ x 24 in.) 82.PB.71 70 DUTCH AND FLEMISH SCHOOLS