Vase of Flowers

The core of the composition is a glass vase of flowers placed in the center. The Prague Vase of Flowers by Binoit is in the "radially arranged vase of flowers" style. In the early 17th century, similarly arranged vases of flowers likewise appeared among the works of Georg Flegel, Jan I Brueghel, Roelant Savery, and Ambrosius Bosschaert. The table on which the vase stands shows several flowers broken off their stems, lying about and symbolizing fleetingness. There is also a crawling stag beetle, which symbolizes danger to human soul.

The choice of the flowers in the vase is based on a tradition that combines both plants that commonly grew in Central Europe (lily-of-the-valley, forget-me-not, columbine, iris, and lily) and rare flowers from the East (nigella and anemone). It was the exclusiveness of the flower arrangement that was appreciated in the first place. At the same time, flowers that did not actually blossom in the same season of the year were combined. As for the painting itself, the brushwork of Peter Binoit is characteristic in its details, distinct outlines, and a clear and compact color scheme. In this respect, Binoit’s painting comes very close not only to Ambrosius Bosschaert’s works, but also to the production of Osias Beert.  

We present today's painting thanks to the National Gallery in Prague.  : )

P.S. Here's one of the most beautiful flower compositions in art history, the Vase of Flowers painted by Dutch female artist Rachel Ruysch. <3