A Rose and Five Insects

Christoffel van den Berghe (1590-1642), brush and watercolour and body colour on parchment, 1618

Drawn floral still lifes from the first half of the 17th century are rare. Only later in the century would flower arrangements come to occupy a modest place in the art of drawing of the Northern Netherlands. Christoffel van den Berghe’s still life consists of a single blossom. The large pale pink rose faces down. Could this be a reference to the transience of all earthly life?

  • Artwork typedrawing
  • Object numberRP-T-1918-116
  • Dimensionsheight 130 mm x width 166 mm
  • Physical characteristicspenseel in waterverf in kleuren en potlood, gouache, op perkament