Flowers in a Vase 

Flowers in a Vase was painted by Jan Brueghel the Elder, who died in 1625, and the piece reflects the complex relationship between art, science, and commerce that defined the early 17th century. During this period, the Dutch Golden Age was underway, which saw an explosion of wealth and global trade. Brueghel, the son of a famous painter, capitalised on the intense interest in botany and the status associated with owning rare and exotic flowers. These blooms came from all corners of the world, mirroring the reach of the Dutch Empire and its mercantile power. What is interesting about this painting is that not all the flowers could have been in bloom at the same time. It is likely that Brueghel completed the painting over an extended period, or even that he included flowers from other paintings. The detailed realism gives us a glimpse into the early days of globalization, but it also speaks to how the desire for beauty and status were intertwined with the exploitation of resources and labor across continents. The painting is a silent, yet vibrant witness to a pivotal era in world history.