Jean-Baptiste Robie

Property of a Public Library

Fondation Jean Robie and Brigitte Schuermans, Jean Robie 1821-1910, Brussels, 2007, p. 130, no. 83, illustrated

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. This painting is on a very large, sturdy panel which is unreinforced on the reverse. The panel is flat, the paint layer is stable and has been unevenly cleaned. Remnants of old varnish remains throughout and it is worth revisiting the restoration which will produce spectacular results. The only apparent retouches are in the foliage above the still-life where some of the profiles of the leaves may have been strengthened slightly. Overall the condition is beautiful yet further cleaning will make noticeable improvements.
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Painted circa 1847-48.

In creating Still Life in a Park with an Urn of "Venus and Adonis" Robie drew inspiration from the seventeenth century Northern masters who first explored the theme of bouquets set in a landscape. Here Robie captures the individual qualities of the blossoms in the lush bouquet, and adds a sliver of blue sky and a relic from antiquity to create a fantasy backdrop. By also incorporating an accoutrement such as tulle or a pair of gloves, Robie imparts a narrative element, integrating the human presence into his vibrant visions of nature.