Severin Roesen (American, c. 1816 – c. 1872), Still Life with Flowers, Fruit and Bird’s Nest, c. 1865, oil on canvas, 36 x 28 ½ in., Gift of Diane DeMell Jacobsen, Ph. D. in loving memory of her husband Thomas H. Jacobsen, AG.2003.2.1.
This extremely fine example highlights Roesen’s virtuosity as a still life painter. His work is widely admired for its botanical accuracy and the variety of floral elements represented as well as the artist’s technical skills and draftsmanship. This graceful, vibrant still life features elements that speak not only of luxury, wealth and abundance but also of the fragility of all living things.
Still life paintings often contain veiled allusions to the inevitability of decay and death. Individual elements may be symbols that support such readings. For example, this painting depicts a bird’s nest with eggs that may symbolize the promise of new life. The number of eggs (three) may allude to the Holy Trinity just as the grapes may allude to the Christian mysteries of the Eucharist.
“Love the colors – very vibrant. The dew drops on the flowers and fruit look so real I always want to dry the painting.” – anonymous
Is the Severin Roesen – “Still Life with Flowers, Fruit and Bird’s Nest” on display at the Cummer? If so, until when. Thanks!
This piece is actually a part of our permanent collection and yes it is currently on display. As far as I am aware, there are no plans in the near future to remove it.