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The subject of flowers in vases, closely linked with the still-life, has its origins in the art of the Middle Ages, in which flowers were frequently depicted within religious paintings, sometimes with symbolic meaning. Their considerable decorative value meant that they were still used in Renaissance art, but it was only in the 17th century that a separate genre of flower painting developed. In Holland it developed parallel to so-called genre painting - scenes of daily life, landscapes and still-lifes - and was the domain of specialist painters such as Bosschaert.
This painting depicts a bouquet, placed in a dark background, which consists of a columbine, tulips and a peony.
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