Lot 285: Hendrik Reekers (Dutch, 1815-1854)

A magnificent flower still life
signed and dated 'H:Reekers.1840.' (lower right)
oil on panel
44 x 35 cm.

Hendrik Reekers received much praise during his lifetime. He produced a relatively small oeuvre as he died at the young age of thirty-eight. This pupil of the renowned Gregorius Jacobus Johannes van Os (1782-1861) and his father Johannes Reekers (1790-1858) created paintings which are in the collections of, amongst others the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (inv.no. A1704), Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam (inv.no. 1715) and the Musée J.-P. Pescatore in Luxemburg (inv.no. 260).

The minute detail of each flower and the apparent patience Reekers had whilst working, unveil the passionate relationship he had with his subject. The careful arrangement of flowers is a well orchestrated symphony of colour, where each flower can shine on its own and compliment its surroundings at the same time. By carefully selecting the species of flowers to depict, Reekers established himself not only as a gifted artist, but also as an inspired botanist who took great interest in the origin and significance of each individual flower.

Description:

1 Mignonette Reseda odorata cv. Ameliorata Reseda
2 Mignonette Reseda odorata alba Reseda
3 Dahlia Dahlia pinnata plena Dahlia
4 Scabious Scabiosa columbaria Duifkruid
5 Navel-wort Omphalodes cappadocica Blauwe onschuld
6 Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus Althaeaboompje
7 Garden Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus plenum Oost-Indische kers
8 Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis plenus Hyacint
9 French Marigold Tagetes patula Klein afrikaantje
10 Red Avens Geum coccineum Rood nagelkruid
11 white Sweet Sultan Scabiosa atropurpurea alba wit Duifkruid
12 pale Sweet Sultan Scabiosa atropurpurea pallida bleek Duifkruid 13 Line-leaved Fumitory Corydalis angustifolia Smalbladige helmbloem
14 Aaron's Beard Hypericum calycinum Groot hertshooi 15 Floss Flower Ageratum houstonianum Ageratum
16 Dame's Violet Hesperis matronalis Damastbloem
17 Tuscan Rosehybrid Rosagallica Tuscany x R. chinensis Toscaanse roos kruising
18 Red Crane's-bill Geranium macrorrhizum Rode ooievaarsbek
19 Black Currants Ribes nigrum Zwarte bessen
20 White Currants Ribes rubrum album witte Aalbessen

We would like to thank Dr. Sam Segal for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.

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