Cornelis Verelst Paintings

Cornelis Verelst was a Dutch painter born in 1667 in The Hague, Netherlands. He was part of a family of artists; his father, Pieter Hermansz Verelst, and his brothers, Herman and Simon Verelst, were also accomplished painters. Cornelis was particularly known for his flower paintings and still lifes, which were highly prized among collectors during his lifetime.

Cornelis Verelst's work is characterized by its fine detail, rich color, and meticulous composition. His paintings often featured a variety of flowers in full bloom, artfully arranged in ornate vases or baskets, and sometimes included insects or fruit to enhance the naturalistic appearance. Although he worked in the tradition of Dutch Golden Age painting, his style was also influenced by the Baroque sensibilities of his time, with a strong emphasis on contrast and dramatic effects of light and shadow.

Very little is known about Verelst's training, but it is likely that he learned painting from his father, who was a respected artist in his own right. Cornelis's work quickly garnered attention, and he became successful in his lifetime, with his paintings being collected by the wealthy and influential, including royalty. Despite this success, there are relatively few records of his life, and much of what is known about Cornelis Verelst comes from his surviving works.

Cornelis Verelst died in 1734 in London, England, where he had spent a significant part of his career. His legacy lives on through his paintings, which can be found in various museums and collections around the world. His work continues to be studied and appreciated for its contribution to the Dutch floral painting tradition and its exquisite representation of nature's beauty.