Title
Vase of Flowers with an Ear of CornDate1742
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions
50.6 × 40.2 cm
Signedupper left: Rachel Ruysch/1742
Credit LinePurchased, 2023
Object numberNGI.2023.20
DescriptionRachel Ruysch counts as one of the most prolific flower still life painters of her era. Her patrons included the Elector Palatine of Düsseldorf and the Florentine Grand Duke, Cosimo III de’ Medici. Ruysch painted throughout her life, completing this flower still life in her 78th year. Within the bouquet a rose has slipped out of the vase and appears to almost topple into our space. The ear of corn, with papery husks, is a rare addition in her paintings. Contrasting with the sombre, brooding still lifes that constitute her earlier style, this painting reflects the cheerful, brighter compositions of her later period.ProvenanceCornelis Sebille Roos sale, Amsterdam, 7 May 1804, lot 141, bought in; Cornelis Sebille Roos sale, Amsterdam, 28 August 1820, lot 87, bought Jeronimo de Vries for Lucretia Johanna van Winter f 388; Collection of Lucretia Johanna van Winter, Amsterdam, 1820-22; Six-van Hillegom-van Winter collection, Amsterdam, 1822-47; Collection of Jan Pieter Six van Hillegom and Pieter Hendrik Six van Vromade, Amsterdam, 1847-51; Sale Six van Hillegom, Amsterdam, 25 November 1851, lot 44, to E. F. Slaes-Cockx for f 200; Collection baron and baronne Vaxelaire, Brussels; Then by descent; Vaxelaire sale, Artcurial, Paris, 9 November 2022, lot 23, bought previous owner; Purchased 2023