Power Flower. Floral still lifes in the Low Countries

This is the fifth in a series of small-scale exhibitions organised as part of the Golden Cabinet initiative. Since time immemorial, art in Flanders, Brabant and Holland has been characterised by incisive observation of nature and the quest for naturalness. Despite that, until into the 16th century, plants and flowers were only to be seen adorning the margins of illustrations depicting saints in books of hours. The flourishing interest in the botanical world and the burgeoning fondness for things natural prompted early 17th century artists to regard bouquets of flowers as a self-contained motif. It was a period in which artists were totally spellbound by the 'Power Flower' and were to be for many years to come.

Jan Brueghel, Jan Davidsz. De Heem, Osias Beert, Daniël Seghers, Rachel Ruysch are just some of the many artists on proud floral display at this most sweet-scented of exhibitions.

Rockox House Museum
Keizerstraat 12
2000 Antwerp
+32 (0)3 201 92 50
inforockoxhouse@kbc.be