A Forest Floor with a Thistle, a Snake, a Lizard and Butterflies 1635 - 1678

Otto Marseus van Schrieck's "A Forest Floor with a Thistle, a Snake, a Lizard and Butterflies" (1635-1678), now housed in the Statens Museum for Kunst, is a quintessential example of Dutch "flower painting." This genre, popular in the 17th century, was characterized by a meticulous rendering of natural forms, often featuring insects and small animals amidst a lush backdrop. Van Schrieck’s masterful use of light and shadow imbues the scene with a sense of depth, highlighting the delicate details of the forest floor. The artist's keen eye for detail and realistic portrayal of the natural world elevate this work beyond simple still life and into a celebration of the beauty and complexity of nature.