Festoon of Fruit and Flowers, with Butterflies and Other Insects

1670 · Private collection

still-life

This painting, formerly attributed to Jan Davidsz. de Heem, contains many elements characteristic of Rotius' master - the flowers in various stages of bloom, the ripe, open pomegranate, and the subtle use of light which renders the flowers and fruits in the utmost three-dimensionality. The blue silk ribbon is also a detail inspired by de Heem's hanging bouquets, and was frequently used by another of his late pupils, Abraham Mignon.

Festoon of Fruit and Flowers, with Butterflies and Other Insects

About the Artist

Jacob Rotius

1644 – 1682

Jacob Rotius (also spelt Rootius), Dutch painter. He was the son and pupil of the painter Jan Albertsz. Rotius (1624-1666). Later he was a pupil of Jan Davidsz. de Heem in Utrecht, whose style he successfully copied. It is likely that Rotius spent time in Amsterdam with Willem Kalf, whose influence is particularly evident in his early works. He specialized in flower and vegetable still-life paintings and earned a good living as a flower painter, but died relatively young.

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