Margherita Cafei (c. 1650-1710) . Attributed, A Pair of Still Lifes with Flowers

An extraordinary pair of 17th-century still-life paintings, each attributed to the masterful Italian Baroque painter Margherita Cafei. Known for her specialization in eloral compositions, Cafei's style is characterized by its dynamic energy and dramatic light. Each painting in this pair features an opulent and overelowing bouquet of elowers, including roses, tulips, and other blossoms, which appear to cascade from a vase placed on an unseen surface. The rich, vibrant palette of reds, pinks, and yellows stands out against a deeply shadowed, dark background, a signature technique that enhances the dramatic effect and three-dimensionality of the eloral arrangements. The compositions are lively and unrestrained, with a sense of natural movement that captures the eleeting beauty of the blossoms.
These works exemplify Cafei's ineluence on the still-life genre, blending the decorative exuberance of the Baroque period with a sensitive observation of nature. Oil on canvas 132 x 97 cm