Still Life with Flowers 1700 - 1720

Jacob Campo Weyerman created this still life with flowers, an oil on canvas, sometime in the 18th century. The composition is built from a strong contrast of light and dark where the flowers and the glass vase, in which they are presented, emerge from a dark background. The flowers, in a range of whites, oranges, and reds, seem to float, and the texture of the paint gives the petals a soft, almost palpable quality. Weyerman directs our attention through a sophisticated use of light and shadow. The strategic placement of highlights and deep blacks guides the eye to a specific order that unifies the parts into a complex whole. The effect destabilizes traditional notions of space and perception, drawing you into a deeper contemplation of the painting's construction. Observe how the artist used color to create a sense of depth and movement. This sophisticated formal structure challenges our perception and emphasizes the artwork's enduring capacity to engage us in a visual and intellectual dialogue.