A Glass Vase with Flowers 1667 - 1671

Jacob Marrel created “A Glass Vase with Flowers” using oil paint, a medium prized for its ability to capture minute details and rich colors. The painting’s impact relies on the properties of oil paint, which allowed Marrel to build up layers of color and texture. The smooth, reflective surfaces of the glass vase contrast with the delicate, almost velvety textures of the flower petals. This wasn’t just about skillful illusion, though. In 17th-century Europe, rare and exotic flowers like these tulips were luxury items, coveted by the wealthy. Marrel’s painting reflects this culture of consumption, where even a humble vase of flowers could signify status. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can appreciate how this painting goes beyond a simple representation of beauty, touching on themes of labor, politics, and economics.