Bohemian / Southern German Master , Late 17th / Early 18th Century, Still Life of Flowers and Fruit

This vibrant and detailed still life, attributed to a Bohemian or Southern German master from the late 17th or early 18th century, is a stunning example of the genre. The composition features an opulent bouquet of flowers, including prominent lilies, roses, and tulips, arranged alongside an abundance of fruits like grapes, plums, and peaches.
The artist demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail, from the delicate veins on the leaves to the textures of the grape skins and the subtle blushes on the fruit. The use of a dark, almost black background creates a dramatic contrast, making the vivid colours of the flowers and fruit stand out with remarkable intensity.
A subtle air of life is added by the inclusion of a dragonfly hovering above the bouquet and a butterfly resting on a fruit, classic symbols of the ephemeral nature of beauty and life. This painting is a rich and masterful work, characteristic of the period's love for naturalism and symbolic detail.