The Temptations of Flora. Jan Van Huysum. 1682-1749

This book about Jan van Huysum is a welcome acquisition for art and flower lovers alike. Not only is attention given to the painterly qualities and the art historical aspects of his work, but it includes charts identifying all the plants, flowers and animals depicted.
The Amsterdam artist Jan van Huysum (1682-1749) is one of the most important painters of fruit and flowers of all time. His work conveys unsurpassed craftsmanship, a deep attention for the subject matter as well as great refinement and subtlety. He was the best paid painter of the eighteenth century and was regarded as one of the pre-eminent artists of his time. He received commissions from many of Europe's monarchs and aristocracy, received great acclaim during his lifetime and his work has also remained highly appreciated and expensive. His influence on European still-life art remained noticeable for at least a century after his death.
De verleiding van Flora focuses on Jan van Huysum's life, family and background. At the same time his predecessors and followers come to the fore, while attention is given to symbolism, false and genuine, and the numerous wrong attributions and technical aspects of his work.