About this work
Although formerly attributed to Rachel Ruysch (1664–1750), the authorship of this painting is currently under question. It dates from the late seventeenth century, but the work seems to be a pastiche of sorts. Numerous floral details have been borrowed from a still life by Abraham Mignon (1640–79), a work now in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. The copper vase also appears in another painting that has been variously attributed to Ruysch herself and to Simon Pietersz Verelst (1644–1721). Scholarship on Rachel Ruysch remains scant and outdated, and the question of who painted this still life lies unresolved.
The former framing of Flowerpiece (1417-4) was in the manner of eighteenth century French frames, a Louis XIV style using gilded composition ornament on a wooden base.
The painting was re-framed in 2017 with a frame based on seventeenth century Dutch forms, using a timber finish.
The frame uses a profile with a curved outer edge continuing the curved frame form of the front.
The frame was made in London and fitted to the painting in August 2017.
The painting was cleaned in 2000.
This frame has been generously supported by Tony Cardamone, Member, NGV Foundation.