Vase with Tulips

This painting is an excellent example of Flemish flower painting from the early 17th century. Many such pieces were produced in Antwerp, in part for the international art market. The present example may well have been painted specifically for export to Spain and already have found its way there during the 1620s.

Tulips had been imported from Turkey during the late 16th century and were still an exciting and very expensive novelty when this painting was created. Other flowers in this bouquet must have been special as well, such as the anemones in various types and colours. The peacock butterfly at the foot of the vase may allude to the rebirth of the devoted soul. But as a flying creature, it may also represent the element Air, while the flowers stand for Earth, Neptune - on the vase - stands for Water and the enamelled vase, as a product of fire, represents that element.

The work was painted by two different artists, as a result of the great specialization of the artistic circles in Antwerp. The flowers are due to the inconspicuous Andries Daniels, whom we only know as a flower painter. The decoration of the vase was painted by a figure painter, the successful artist Frans Francken the Younger. It depicts the sea god, crowned by a mermaid.