Art

After Margaretha Roosenboom (1843–1896), Still Life with Lilacs

At auction

H 73 × B 113 cm

Nineteenth to early twentieth century. Oil on canvas, laid down. **After Margaretha Roosenboom (1843–1896) – Still Life with Lilacs** *Nineteenth to early twentieth century — oil on canvas, laid down* White and purple lilacs lie in a lavish arrangement beside a woven basket. The clusters of blossom spread across the tabletop, with a few scattered florets in the foreground. The pale flowers and green leaves stand out against the warm brown background. The contrast between the delicate petals and the coarse basket weave lends the still life an appealing variety of textures. Margaretha Roosenboom was a Dutch painter who specialised in flower and fruit still lifes. She was taught by her father, the landscape painter Nicolaas Johannes Roosenboom, and learnt watercolour painting from her grandfather Andreas Schelfhout. Her floral compositions are characterised by natural, informal arrangements, often focusing on a single type of flower. In this respect, her work reflected a freer approach to floral still-life painting in the second half of the nineteenth century. The canvas has been laid down, meaning that it has been adhered to another support. The richly decorated gilt-coloured frame enhances the warm, classical character of the work. Canvas dimensions: 61 cm high by 100 cm wide Frame dimensions: 73 cm high by 113 cm wide