Stor blomsterbuket i en vase. I forgrunden frugter, til venstre en papegøje 1738 - 1796

E.H. Løffler created this still life, 'Stor blomsterbuket i en vase', using oil on canvas. The artist's technique reflects a keen observation of nature, but also a careful staging of its bounty. Flowers, fruits, and even the exotic parrot weren't just painted, they were deliberately arranged. It’s worth thinking about the social context here: This is not just about skill with a brush, but about the labour involved in acquiring these luxury items in the first place. The artist has painstakingly depicted the textures and forms of these perishable goods. Look closely at the variation in brushstrokes, from the smoothness of the vase to the feathery details of the parrot, a precious import. Consider also the skill needed to convincingly depict three-dimensionality, using only pigment and light. In its own way, this painting is as much about trade, collecting, and consumption as it is about the beauty of nature. It reminds us that ‘fine art’ is often deeply entwined with the wider world of making and materials.