A Rose and Five Insects 1618
christoffelvandenberghe
water colours
possibly oil pastel
coloured pencil
watercolour illustration
botanical art
Christoffel van den Berghe's "A Rose and Five Insects" (1618) showcases the artist's meticulous attention to detail and skill in watercolor painting. The delicate rose, its petals rendered in soft pink hues, is the centerpiece of the composition. Around it, various insects, including a butterfly, a bee, and three dragonflies, are depicted with remarkable precision. The work's small size (130mm x 166mm) belies the complexity of the details, highlighting van den Berghe's mastery of the art of miniature painting. This artwork, like many others of his oeuvre, exemplifies the popularity of floral and insect studies in the 17th century, showcasing a fascination with the beauty and intricate details of nature.
Comments
Drawn floral still lifes from the first half of the 17th century are rare. Only later in the century would flower arrangements come to occupy a modest place in the art of drawing of the Northern Netherlands. Christoffel van den Berghe’s still life consists of a single blossom. The large pale pink rose faces down. Could this be a reference to the transience of all earthly life?
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