Johan Laurentz Jensen (1800-1856)
Still Life of Roses in a Basket with Raspberries
Oil on canvas, 1826
Canvas size: 15 x 17 3/4 in.
Frame: 21 x 23 1/2 in.

Jensen's "Still life of Roses in a Basket with Raspberries" represents one of the principal examples of Danish botanical art of the 19th Century. Jensen's tremendous paintings were some of the only examples of Danish art that could rival the best being produced in the Netherlands, long held to be foremost in the field of botanical art. With this stunning work, Jensen created a subtle but powerful tour de force, challenging Holland's claim to supremacy in flower painting. Out of a neutral, light brown background, the vibrant, rotund roses emerge with striking clarity. Jensen's ability to convey texture is unrivalled. Ripe, plump raspberries fill the rough wicker basket underneath the roses, their opaque surfaces contrasting with the translucent, soft rose petals. The roses appear heavy, bending gracefully towards the table top. Every leaf is beautifully detailed, every vein discernible, adding to the appearance of lush abundance.