Flowers in a Glass Vase, with a Cricket in a Niche 1700

Rachel Ruysch painted this still life on canvas, using oil paints, with remarkable precision. The surface is so smooth and detailed, it almost feels like you could reach out and touch the delicate petals. Ruysch’s process reflects a long and skilled tradition. As a woman, she was initially taught by her father, a scientist and professor of anatomy and botany, before being accepted into the studio of Willem van Aelst. The layering of oils, which allowed Ruysch to achieve such luminous colours, demanded a keen eye, a steady hand, and a deep understanding of her materials. The detail suggests immense patience, and a close study of nature – a sensibility cultivated both in the artistic studio, and in the world of empirical science. Interestingly, during this time in the Dutch Republic, flower painting was highly sought after by the rising middle class, symbolizing prosperity and an appreciation for the natural world. So, while this artwork may seem like a simple depiction of flowers, it also speaks volumes about Dutch society and culture.