National Gallery Floral masterpiece: The flowers

Find out more about the flowers in this incredible installation

We brought Dutch artist Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder's floral masterpiece A Still Life of Flowers in a Wan-Li Vase (1609-10) to life as part of our support for the National Gallery's summer exhibition: 'Dutch Flowers'.

Bosschaert's bouquet includes lilies, tulips, roses, hyacinths and carnations, however it wasn't possible for us to use these same flowers in the installation as they don't bloom all at the same time. For our recreation we are using the following:

Tulips

There's no flower more quintessentially Dutch than the tulip, introduced to the Netherlands from Turkey in the late 16th century. They rapidly became a coveted luxury item and though today they may not cost as much as they used to, their symbolism - that of true love and happiness - still remains. 

 

 


 

Peonies

The flower has silky petals and is a symbol of love, happiness and health. There is also ample choice in terms of colour: the cheerful peony comes in pale yellow, romantic white, candy pink or dark red and the fragrance of peonies is beautifully sweet!

 

 

 


 

Freesia Roze
Freesias

This flower has shaken off its old-fashioned reputation and made a spectacular comeback. The beautiful fragrance that emanates from the comb makes the freesia a beautiful bloom to display on its own or as part of a bouquet with foliage such as leather leaf fern and Aralia. 

 

 


 

Roses

A touch of romance comes from the Queen of Flowers available in a huge variety of colours, each symbolising a different value. The Greeks, Romans and Egyptians discovered the beauty of the romantic rose many thousands of years ago. We had to wait until the 16th century but it was absolutely worth it!

 

 


 

Callas

Considered the flower of purity and sympathy, the calla is a flower associated with festivities and enjoyment due its shape resembling a goblet used for drinking. You might be surprised to learn that the calla grows in areas that are alternately marshy and dry. This makes the flower not only beautiful, but strong too.

 

 

 


Alstroemeria

With twisted leaves and brightly coloured flowers, the alstroemeria is the symbol of enduring friendship. A fresh display of these blooms will cheer you up instantly. 

 

 

 

 

Of course we used many more varieties, so we hoped that you went to see them for yourself!  

Our fresh floral installation of A Still Life of Flowers in a Wan-Li Vase was on display from 2 - 6 June 2016 in Trafalgar Square outside the National Gallery.