Feigned Sculpted Bust of the Blessed Hieronymus Werdanus Set in a Feigned Stone Cartouche, Decorated with a Swag and Two Bunches of Flowers before 1676

"Feigned Sculpted Bust of the Blessed Hieronymus Werdanus Set in a Feigned Stone Cartouche, Decorated with a Swag and Two Bunches of Flowers" is a 17th-century oil painting by Flemish artist Wouter Gysaerts. The work depicts a sculpted bust of a man, presumably Hieronymus Werdanus, framed by a stone cartouche and surrounded by a lavish floral arrangement. This arrangement is characteristic of the Dutch and Flemish "vanitas" tradition, which often used flowers and other symbols to represent the fleeting nature of life. The artist, who lived a short but prolific life between 1649 and 1677, skillfully rendered the intricate details of the flowers, creating a sense of realism and vibrancy that draws the viewer into the artwork's world. The dark background adds to the drama of the composition, emphasizing the richness of the floral display and the somber tone of the subject matter.