This painting shows michelmas dasies, poppies, honeysuckle and butterflies on a mossy bank. Flower painting was popularised in the 17th century by Dutch artists as an offshoot of the general popularisation of still life painting. At first artists such as Balthasar van der Ast (prominent flower painter) depicted flowers in the midst of other objects and they did not entirely come into their own as the sole subject of paintings until the 18th century, as can be seen in works by Rachel Ruysch. However the most highly regarded flower artists of this early period were the Flemmish painters, Jan Breughel (son of Pieter the Elder) and his apprentice Ambrosius Bosschaert.

Notes:  Aston Webb Building Vice Chancellor's Suite Karen O'Brien's Office to 32 Pritchatt's Road, Room 103, Bay C, Shelf 35.