Giovanna Garzoni (Ascoli 1600-1670 Rome), Flowers in a vase on a stone plinth with a shell. Estimated Price: CHF25,000 - CHF35,000. Photo Koller Auctions

Tempera and pencil on vellum. 45 x 33 cm. 

Expertise: Dr. Gerardo Casale, 03.25.2015.

Provenance: European private collection.

Notes: This extremely finely painted flowers on parchment is distinguished by its excellent state of preservation and results in a characteristic manner Giovanna Garzoni scientific accuracy and its masterly craftsmanship for balanced Compositions in mind. In a vase of lapis lazuli and bronze are numerous flowers - roses, tulips, wallflowers, daffodils, anemones, hyacinths, carnations - versed arranged and displayed in fine colors.The sophistication and precision of the stroke in our painting is comparable to the work for the Medici family from Garzoni Florentine period, which still are in their villas. Particularly noteworthy is the plasticity of the flowers and the meticulousness with which the individual petals are illuminated. Loving little details, like the ant on the green leaf on the bottom right or the left tiny spider on the white petal of a daffodil enliven the composition. Is of high quality and the implementation of the stone pedestal, executed in the finest dots, and with two small stone eruptions that almost act like a trompe l'oeil. The painter preferred fresh cut flowers for their compositions, where it sometimes took up also designs his own compositions. A comparable composition with similar flowers, shells and butterflies is located, for example, today in Gabinetto Disegni e Stampe degli Uffizi (Inv No 2152 Orn, see Casale, Gerardo:....Giovanna Garzoni. Insigne miniatrice 1600 to 1670, Rome 1991, cat no. . A47, pp 108-109). In the composition and selection of shells, flowers and insects here also shows the influence of the Flemish still-life painter of the 17th century such as the Painting Ambrosius Bosschaerts (1573 to 1621), on Garzoni oeuvre. 

Giovanna Garzoni, one of the first artists to women who which specialized in still-life, came from a family of painters Venetian origin. While Garzoni at the beginning still painted religious, mythological and allegorical subjects, she later specialized in botanical motifs that she prefers in tempera paint on parchment. Garzoni refined interpretations of flora and fauna corresponded to the taste of their very numerous aristocratic authority. The artist traveled from Venice to Naples, Florence, Turin and Rome on the way to Paris and its reputation extended over the whole of Europe, so that they could sell their works at high prices. From 1651 the Florentine Medici family became the main contractor Garzoni. Shortly before her death gave Garzoni all their possessions of the Roman painters' guild, the Accademia di San Lucca. In return, they received a tomb in the Church of the Accademia, which can still be seen today. In his report Dr. Gerardo Casale dated our paintings because of the stylistic features in the late work of the artist, when Garzoni staying between Florence and Rome and their orders are very well documented.

Old Master Paintings by Koller Auctions, September 18, 2015, 3:00 PM CET - Zurich, Switzerland