Ambrosius The Elder Bosschaert was a Flemish-born Dutch still life painter and art dealer, born on January 18, 1573. He is recognized as one of the earliest painters who created floral still lifes as an independent genre. His career began in Antwerp, but he spent most of his life in Middelburg, where he moved with his family due to the threat of religious persecution.

Early Life and Career

Ambrosius The Elder Bosschaert started his career as a painter in Antwerp, where he joined the city's Guild of Saint Luke at the age of 21. He later became the dean of the guild and established himself as a leading figure in the fashionable floral painting genre. His bouquets were painted symmetrically and with scientific accuracy in small dimensions, often on copper. They sometimes included symbolic and religious meanings.

Style and Legacy

Ambrosius The Elder Bosschaert was one of the first artists to specialize in flower still life painting as a stand-alone subject. He started a tradition of painting detailed flower bouquets, which typically included tulips and roses, and inspired the genre of Dutch flower painting. His works commanded high prices, although he never achieved the level of prestige of Jan Brueghel the Elder, the Antwerp master who contributed to the floral genre.

• Still life with flowers: A quintessential example of Ambrosius The Elder Bosschaert's artistry, showcasing his mastery in capturing the intricate details and vibrant colors of still life.
• Flower painting: Ambrosius The Elder Bosschaert was a pioneer of this genre, which became highly sought after due to the booming seventeenth-century Dutch art market.
• Influence on the art world: Ambrosius The Elder Bosschaert's style and legacy can be seen in the works of other artists, such as Jan Fyt (Joannes Fijt) and Rachel Ruysch, who also specialized in still life painting.

Museums and Collections

Some of Ambrosius The Elder Bosschaert's works can be found in the collection of St. Joriskerk, a museum in Amersfoort, Netherlands. The museum is open to visitors daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free, although donations are welcome.

Conclusion

Ambrosius The Elder Bosschaert was a significant figure in the development of Dutch still life painting. His contributions to the genre have had a lasting impact on the art world, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through his works and the artists he influenced. For more information on Ambrosius The Elder Bosschaert and other artists, visit https://WahooArt.com/@@/Ambrosius-The-Elder-Bosschaert or check out the Wikipedia page on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrosius_Bosschaert.