Floral Still Life ∆ (1639)
Hans Bollongier
Oil on panel
67.6 x 53.3 cm
Collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
“I have gathered a posy of other men’s flowers, and nothing but the thread that binds them is mine own.” — Michel de Montaigne¶
∆ This exuberant bouquet may look natural, but tulips, anemones, roses and carnations do not all bloom at the same time. Hans Bollongier (1600–1645) nevertheless managed to assemble a balanced composition. The still life was painted shortly after the Dutch stock market crashed in 1637, when many people went bankrupt due to the speculation in tulip bulbs. This festive bouquet may thus refer to the transience of earthly matters.
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“I have gathered a posy of other men’s flowers, and nothing but the thread that binds them is mine own.” — Michel de Montaigne
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