Karel Van Vogelaer, Carlo Dei Fiori Paintings

Karel Van Vogelaer, also known as Carlo Dei Fiori, was a Flemish painter who specialized in still lifes, particularly flower pieces and garlands. He was born in Maastricht in 1653 and is known for his unique contribution to the genre of floral painting in the late 17th century.

Vogelaer initially trained in his home town before moving to Italy, where he became known by his Italianized name, Carlo Dei Fiori. During his time in Italy, he was influenced by the Roman and Neapolitan schools of painting. His work was characterized by a rich and vibrant use of color and a delicate handling of light and shadow, which gave his flower compositions a lively, almost ethereal quality.

While in Rome, Vogelaer came into contact with other floral painters and was particularly influenced by the works of Mario Nuzzi, known as Mario dei Fiori. He was also likely to have been familiar with the works of Daniel Seghers, a fellow Flemish painter who was renowned for his flower garlands.

Vogelaer's paintings often depicted arrangements of flowers in vases or baskets, set against a dark background that enhanced the illusion of depth and the vibrancy of the colors. His works were well-received and he gained a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the transient beauty of flowers.

Despite his talent and the recognition he received during his lifetime, Karel Van Vogelaer remains a somewhat obscure figure in art history, with only a limited number of his works identified and attributed to him. He died at a relatively young age in 1695.

Vogelaer's contribution to the development of floral painting was significant, and his work continues to be appreciated by art historians and collectors for its beauty and technical skill. His legacy is seen in the way he combined the Flemish tradition of detailed realism with the Italian flair for composition and color, creating works that were both vibrant and lifelike.