"Chinese Plate with Artichokes, Rose, and Strawberry," Giovanna Garzoni, 1652-60.
Garzoni (1600-70) was an Italian Baroque painter. She started off doing religious and historical subjects but made her fame with her still lifes, painted with great detail and precision.
Her family is believed to have been artists (many details of her early life is unknown) and it's believed she apprenticed under her uncle. She was known as "the chaste Giovanna," as she refused to marry and wanted to remain a virgin; I wonder if she just didn't want to be bothered and wanted to focus on her work. She became so popular that she could name her own price, and died a wealthy woman.
This style of still life was popular, with botanic objects displayed on Asian ceramics, which were a huge status symbol. We've got a pink rose but the artichokes dominate...and they're flower buds, believe it or not.
Happy Flower Friday!
From the Palazzo Pitti, Florence.
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