Otto Marseus van Schrieck

Otto Marseus van Schrieck was one of the leading innovators of the Dutch forest floor-still life. In this work, he has focused meticulous attention on a thistle, a single pink flower, and a handful of forest dwellers, all of which glisten vividly against a darkened background. Working at a time of increased interest in the natural sciences, he is highly renowned for his detailed and dramatically lit nocturnal scenes that depict flora, moss and denizens of the forest. His nickname Snuffelaer, or "ferreter", undoubtedly reflects his excursions into the forest underbrush to examine different specimens—sometimes even bringing them back to his vivarium, where they were further cultivated and studied. Much admired during his lifetime, his works were imitated by number of artists, including no less distinguished a talent than Rachel Ruysch.

Between 1648 and 1657, Otto Marseus van Schrieck left Amsterdam to embark on several extended sojourns to England, France, and—most notably—Italy. During his time in Florence, he worked for the Grand Duke Ferdinand II de Medici of Tuscany, for his works complemented the family’s collection of flora and fauna in both painted and physical form. A number of Marseus van Schrieck’s still-life paintings can be found in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence today.

When last sold, Fred Meijer endorsed the attribution to van Schrieck.