Gerardus van Spaendonck, 1746 - 1822

LARGE BOUQUET OF FLOWERS IN A STONE VASE WITH FRUIT, NESTING CLUTCH AND SNAIL
Oil on canvas.
69.5 x 57.5 cm.

The painting captivates not only through the variety of flowers and small animals, but also through the elegance of the choice of colors and the high aesthetics of the overall pictorial effect.

Van Spaendonck was one of the artists who brought flower painting to France, which was already highly developed in Holland with Jan van Huysum. He studied under Willem Herreyns at the Antwerp Academy in the 1670s, but moved to Paris in 1769, where he was appointed miniature painter to the court. In 1786 he was cabinet painter to Marie Antoinette. His exceptional skill attracted numerous pupils to his studio. In 1804 he received the Order of the Legion of Honor. (1402262) (11)