WGoA
ROTIUS, Jacob - b. 1644 Hoorn, d. ~1682 Hoorn - WGA

ROTIUS, Jacob

(b. 1644 Hoorn, d. ~1682 Hoorn)

Jacob Rotius (also spelt Rootius), Dutch painter. He was the son and pupil of the painter Jan Albertsz. Rotius (1624-1666). Later he was a pupil of Jan Davidsz. de Heem in Utrecht, whose style he successfully copied. It is likely that Rotius spent time in Amsterdam with Willem Kalf, whose influence is particularly evident in his early works.

He specialized in flower and vegetable still-life paintings and earned a good living as a flower painter, but died relatively young.

Festoon of Fruit and Flowers, with Butterflies and Other Insects
Festoon of Fruit and Flowers, with Butterflies and Other Insects by

Festoon of Fruit and Flowers, with Butterflies and Other Insects

This painting, formerly attributed to Jan Davidsz. de Heem, contains many elements characteristic of Rotius’ master - the flowers in various stages of bloom, the ripe, open pomegranate, and the subtle use of light which renders the flowers and fruits in the utmost three-dimensionality. The blue silk ribbon is also a detail inspired by de Heem’s hanging bouquets, and was frequently used by another of his late pupils, Abraham Mignon.

Send Postcard Learn More
Feedback