DANIELS, Andries - b. ~1580 ?, d. 1640 Antwerpen

Flemish painter of flower still-lifes who played an important role in the development of the genre of garland paintings in Antwerp. Little is known about his life. In 1599 he is registered at the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke as a pupil of Pieter Brueghel the Younger. He may have participated in copying works of Pieter Bruegel the Elder during his period of apprenticeship. In 1602 he was registered as a master of the Guild.

Daniels is known as a painter of still-lifes, in particular still-lifes of flowers in flamboyant vases, and flower garlands. His work resembles the paintings of Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder to whom previously they were attributed frequently. The composition, colour and lighting, however, call to mind the work of Jan Brueghel the Elder.

Vase with Tulips

This painting is an excellent example of Flemish flower painting from the early 17th century. Many such pieces were produced in Antwerp, in part for the international art market. The present example may well have been painted specifically for export to Spain and already have found its way there during the 1620s.

Tulips had been imported from Turkey during the late 16th century and were still an exciting and very expensive novelty when this painting was created. Other flowers in this bouquet must have been special as well, such as the anemones in various types and colours. The peacock butterfly at the foot of the vase may allude to the rebirth of the devoted soul. But as a flying creature, it may also represent the element Air, while the flowers stand for Earth, Neptune - on the vase - stands for Water and the enamelled vase, as a product of fire, represents that element.

The work was painted by two different artists, as a result of the great specialization of the artistic circles in Antwerp. The flowers are due to the inconspicuous Andries Daniels, whom we only know as a flower painter. The decoration of the vase was painted by a figure painter, the successful artist Frans Francken the Younger. It depicts the sea god, crowned by a mermaid.