Painted flower arrangements were hugely popular in the seventeenth century. Flowers themselves had become a status symbol. At the height of the tulip trade in 1637, a tulip bulb was worth as much as an Amsterdam canal house. Painted flowers did not wilt and were therefore seen as an alternative to a real bouquet.

This painting originates from an estate in Enschede. It is signed ‘C Noltee’. It is unclear which painter it concerns. It is unlikely that this is a work by the famous Cor Noltee (1903-1967), also known as the ‘Dordtse Breitner’. He is not known to have painted flower arrangements and for a Noltee the technique is too flat. Nevertheless, it is an atmospheric work in a good quality frame.

61.5 x 71 cm

90€