Pair of neoclassical flower still lifes – F.M. de Spaen-de Bylandt, 1809

A rare and highly decorative pair of large flower still lifes dated 1809, in watercolour and gouache on paper. Both works are signed F.M. De Spaen née de Bylandt and show richly composed bouquets in classical urns on a stone plinth, set against a deep midnight blue background. Peonies, roses, lilies, lilac, hydrangeas, auriculas, forget-me-nots and trailing nasturtium are among the flowers depicted with great attention to form and botanical detail. The works were made in the neoclassical period and relate to artists such as Gerard van Spaendonck and Jan van Os. The signature refers to a woman from the noble families Van Bylandt and Van Spaen, two old Dutch-German lineages from the border region around Gelderland and Cleves. As was customary in aristocratic circles, she probably received a thorough training in drawing and painting; her precise identity is still being researched. The paintings come from the border region near Cleves, making it plausible that the pair remained in the same area for a long time, possibly within the family. Over two centuries the red, pink and yellow pigments in particular have softly faded, creating a restrained palette of sandy tones, grey-green and bright Prussian blue. Their generous size and dark background make them a powerful pair: beautiful above a long cabinet, console or mantelpiece, or in a high-ceilinged room with lime walls, old wood and natural stone, in a classic or eclectic interior. Good antique condition. The fugitive red, pink and yellow pigments have faded with age and are now an essential part of the works’ character. The paper is stable, with no tears or missing parts. The photos form an important part of the condition report.