'Flowers in a Niche' by Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder (1573-1621) will be shown at TEFAF (16-25 March 2012) by Johnny van Haeften Ltd of London. This recently discovered flower-piece is a welcome addition to Bosschaert’s relatively small oeuvre, numbering some sixty-five paintings. Moreover, it is one of only six known examples in which the bouquet is placed before an arched window embrasure with an open-air background. Whilst he most likely took his inspiration from earlier Netherlandish prints, Ambrosius seems to have been alone in exploiting this striking scheme in his still-life paintings. Neither of his sons nor his followers adopted this innovation, yet Bosschaert’s paintings of this type can be counted among the artist’s most iconic creations. On copper, 29 x 23 cm.
It is estimated that about 70% of all top quality Old Masters for sale in the world can be seen at TEFAF.