This exquisite early 18th-century French still life depicts a bouquet of vivid blooms set in an urn-shaped glass vase. It’s reminiscent of flower pieces by the French painter, Charles-Gilles Dutillieu (1697-1738).

Rendered with the utmost delicacy, this resplendent display is the work of a masterly hand. The composition itself is cleverly balanced with the light drawing emphasis to create a three-dimensional effect. While sinuous stems in the bottom left and top right create a pleasing diagonal, yet remain quietly in the background. The vase, too, is convincingly realistic.

It’s underlying spirit is bound to the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, yet its finesse and overall decorative appeal is wholeheartedly French. Produced, probably in Paris in around 1730, it exhibits a sense of controlled elegance. It’s refined, precise, and poised - akin to the decorous activities of a Parisian ballroom. Each flower could be a sumptuous gown, flowing gracefully through a splendid contredanse.

It’s a celebration of the abundant excess of nature viewed through the lens of architectural mind.

Charles-Gilles Dutillieu trained at the Academy of Saint Luke and worked extensively for the French nobility. He was commissioned by Duchesse de Maine to decorate several rooms of her châteaux of Sceaux and Anet, and also worked with François Lemoyne (1688-1373) at the château of Versailles.

Housed in a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 21½” x 25½” / 54cm x 65cm
Year of creation: c. 1730
Provenance: Private collection, Austria.
Condition: Cleaned. Canvas relined. Latter stretcher. Fine craquelure throughout. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
Our reference: BRV2115