This beautiful mid-19th-century Austrian oil painting depicts a still life with a decorous abundance of alpine flora and lively blooms. It’s signed Petter in the lower right.

Emerging from the forest floor, with layers of rolling scenery beyond, this vivid ensemble is a delight for the eyes. There are at least six species of flower on display, each rendered with careful attention to colour and characteristics. Can you name them all? The yellow flowers are similar to primroses while the orange blooms could be marsh marigolds. Both are known to grow in alpine regions.

Stylistically, the work is similar to those by Austrian still life painter Franz Xaver Petter (1791-1866) and his son, Theodor Petter (1822-1872).

Signed/dated and housed in a later frame.

Medium: Oil on paper laid on canvas
Overall size: 17” x 13½” / 43cm x 34cm
Year of creation: 1856
Provenance: Private collection, Austria.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Our reference: BRV2117