Jean-Baptiste Robie

Brussels 1821-1910 Sint-Gilles (Belgium)
Flower still life with roses, flowering branches and raspberries, oil on canvas 137.7 x 106.0 cm, signed l.l. and dated 'Bruxelles' 1864

literature: N. Hostyn e.a., 'Dictionaire van Belgische en Hollandse Bloemenschilders geboren tussen 1750 en 1880', Berko, Knokke-Zoute 1995, ill. in colour page 327; Fondation Jean Robie, Brigitte Schuermans, 'Jean Robie 1821-1910', Brussels 2007, page 109, ill. 48 (in colour).

exhibitions: Sint-Gillis (Brussels), Belgium, Stadhuis, 'Rétrospective de Jean Robie (1821-1910)', 7-23 May 2010; Le Roeulx, Belgium, Ancien Hopital Saint-Jacques, Jean Robie – Amant des Roses, 4-7 Sept. 2014.

This lush cascade of roses and flowering branches, loosely laid on a stone by the water, was painted by Jean Baptiste Robie. Romantic flower still lifes gave this Belgian artist his fame, although he also made landscapes, portraits and oriental scenes. Robie’s oeuvre seems to be a tribute to the rose, which often plays a leading role in his bouquets. Robie was concerned with the decorative and natural aspect of the rose, with which he connected with an approach to the flower still life that changed in the 19th century. His still lifes are apparently carelessly laid out in a natural environment. In doing so, he broke with the tradition of the 18th-century, carefully arranged pronk still life with flowers. The classical flower still life was formed by a vase with a bouquet, the sometimes curious composition of which was mainly determined by botanical specialties, exotic provenance, aesthetics, symbolism and the good visibility of each individual flower. In the 19th century, the bouquet and the surroundings become more natural: the arrangement loosens up, ordinary, everyday flowers make their appearance and there is often a landscape decor. His compositions stand out for their beautiful rendering of texture and rich coloration.

insurance value: € 110,000.-
starting bid: € 50,000.-