Jan Davidsz. de Heem, Festoon of Fruit and Flowers, 1660-1670, oil on canvas, h 74cm × w 60cm. SK-A-138. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

In 1626 this Utrecht-born painter moved to Antwerp, where he became acquainted with sumptuous and colourful Flemish still-life painting. He combined this influence with his gift for rendering nature in minute detail. This is clear to see in this floral and fruit festoon: a highly decorative entity that is nevertheless meticulously detailed. All kinds of hungry insects populate this still life.

Jan Davidsz. de Heem, Festoon of Fruit and Flowers, detail, 1660-1670, oil on canvas, h 74cm × w 60cm. SK-A-138. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

Jan Davidsz. de Heem, Festoon of Fruit and Flowers, detail, 1660-1670, oil on canvas, h 74cm × w 60cm. SK-A-138. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

Jan Davidsz. de Heem, Festoon of Fruit and Flowers, detail, 1660-1670, oil on canvas, h 74cm × w 60cm. SK-A-138. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam 

Jan Davidsz. de Heem, Festoon of Fruit and Flowers, detail, 1660-1670, oil on canvas, h 74cm × w 60cm. SK-A-138. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam