Five Prints of Flowers in Glass Vases 1688 - 1698

This print of flowers in glass vases was made by an anonymous artist and is held at the Rijksmuseum. Flower painting flourished in the Netherlands during the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting the country’s economic expansion and the growth of a wealthy merchant class with a taste for luxury goods. Floral paintings were not just decorative; they also carried symbolic meanings. Certain flowers were associated with particular virtues or ideas, making these images a subtle form of communication. This still life reflects the growing importance of scientific observation and documentation. Botanical illustration became a significant field of study and a source of national pride. To better understand the role of this print, we can consult Dutch inventories and archival records from the period. These sources help us understand the context in which these artworks were created, viewed, and valued. Considering art as part of a broader social and institutional context, and not just aesthetics, gives us insight into the cultural values of the Dutch Golden Age.