Still Life of Lowers, Karel Martin Claessens, 1864-1938

This gorgeous painting, Still Life of Flowers, is by Belgian painter Karel Martin Claessens. A riot of pink, red and yellow blooms cascade over the edge of a glass vase. Photos don't do justice to the tactile beauty in this work, the lovely contrast between the bright chrysanthemums against the paler, fading roses and hyacinths. And in true Dutch tradition, the fallen leaves on the lower right of the canvas remind us of the transience and fragility of life. 
Signed lower left.
In a substantial gilt frame. Canvas measures 23.75" by 19.75", framed dimensions are 25.63" by 3.5".

Karel Martin Claessens was born in Antwerp in 1864 and died in Berchem in 1938. He was a student and friend of Jakob Smits, and a member of the Molse School. His work is included in the permanent collection of the Jakob Smits Museum.