This beautiful mid-20th-century oil painting by German artist Otto M Geyer depicts a vibrant array of flora and fruit.

When we look upon this highly decorative ensemble, we’re transported to the Dutch Golden Age of flower painting. When 17th-century Amsterdam was gripped by ‘tulip mania’ and exotic blooms flooded the ports from various corners of the globe. To display such ostentation in the home was desirable and the price of a commissioned painting was often lower than the cost of the flowers themselves.

Still life artists flourished in this environment, such as Rachel Ruysch (1664-1750) and Jan van Huysum (1682-1749), with thousands of works filling the walls of affluent homes. And such was the decorative nature of these celebratory designs that the Dutch style continued to influence painters for three centuries.

Here, Otto Geyer is working in that illustrious style. With exquisite draughtsmanship and respect for his artistic forebears, he’s created a modern masterpiece. A sumptuous bounty of Dutch-inspired flora.

Signed in the upper right and held in a splendid frame with ornate corners and centres.

Medium: Oil on board
Overall size: 33” x 38½” / 84cm x 98cm
Year of creation: c. 1950
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.