Vase de Fleurs - Masterpiece Jigsaw Puzzle
Corneille van Spaendonck (Dutch 1756-1840)
Laurel Ink 500 piece puzzles measure 18" x 24".
Retail $12.95

Vase de Fleurs (from back of puzzle box)
Corneille van Spaendonck (Dutch 1756-1840)

The earliest depictions of flowers in art were in the form of realistic botanical illustrations for the purpose of researching medicinal herbs. In the seventeenth century, there arose a new interest in illustrating plants for the sole purpose of capturing their beauty and rarity. This trend paved the way for the creation of an art form that would experience criticism, transformation an praise throughout the centuries, eventually becoming academically respected and universally admired.

The Dutch were the pioneers of Flower Painting, although artist in England, France, Germany, and Austria also produced renowned works in the genre. Dutch and Flemish artist, such as Jan van Huysum and Rachel Ruysch, exemplified a mastery of refined detail while portraying colorful richness in their paintings. Although French historic and landscape painters often considered botanical art simply a decorative pastime, the botanical artists lacked neither passion nor patronage. The Flower Painters were slowly accepted into the Salons of France, and the art form took on a new standard of excellence when the Dutch artist brought their talent and history to France. Flemish-born Pierre-Joseph Redoute became known as the "Raphael des roses" and work for such famous historical figures as Marie-Antoinette and Louis Philippe.

The achievements of the classical Flower Painters were far reaching. Their influence led artists of every stature and genre to occasionally paint flowers throughout their careers, even if only to form a small part of their "oeuvre." This art from was also accessible to female artist at a time when women were restricted in their roles and privileges. The works of these artists were applied to many media such as watercolor on vellum, oil on canvas, wood cutting, etching, engraving, needlework and textiles. Whether botanical renderings were produced for science or pure artistry, the artist's reverence for the subject is apparent, and the portrayal of flowers, leaves, stems and roots is exquisite.

Born in the Netherlands, Corneille van Spaendonck was one of the old school Flower Painters. In 1773, when he was seventeen years old, he followed this older brother, Gerard van Spaendonck, to Paris. The brothers were close and collaborated occasionally. Gerard was a renowned teacher with students at both his private studio and at the Paris Museum of Natural History where he preceded Redoute as the professor of botanical drawing.

In 1789, Corneille became a member of the Academie. For twenty-three years, he worked at Sevres, the porcelain factory that attracted many Flower Painters. From 1785 to 1800, Corneille was the director of Sevres and, between 1800 and 1808, he worked there as a designer.

Corneille had his Salon debut in 1789, and his works were mostly painted in oils and gouache instead of watercolor. The painting, Vase de Fleurs, reveals Corneille's proficiency in floral renderings and his eye for detail.

Corneille died in 1840, the same year as two other noteworthy artists, Tedoute and Jean-Francois van Dael. Because of those losses, that year signified the end of an important period of time in the history of the Flower Painters.

New: factory packaged/shrink wrapped 14"x14" boxed.

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