Flowers in a Wan-Li Vase

Rare flowers including irises, roses and tulips are arranged in an expensive Chinese porcelain vase with a striking gilded foot. Lying next to the vase are lilies of the valley and forget-me-nots, together with a lizard and grasshopper. Hidden in the bouquet itself is another creature: a daddy longlegs.

Van der Ast was taught to paint by his brother-in-law Ambrosius Bosschaert, one of the first artists to specialise in flower pieces. Van der Ast initially painted in the style of his teacher, as is the case here. But his later bouquets became more relaxed and natural.