Exploration: Unveiling the Symbolism of Blooms in 17th Century Art at Tallinn's Art Museum Gallery

In the heart of Tallinn, the Kadriorg Art Museum has opened its doors to a captivating exhibition titled "Garden of Delights: The Seventeenth Century in Bloom". This grand showcase, which runs until Sunday, January 25, offers a sweeping look at layered Dutch and Flemish floral art.

The project is the result of years of meticulous technical and art-historical research at the Phoebus Foundation's conservation studio, led by Sven Van Dorst, the studio director. One of the key findings from this research is that Flemish artist Daniel Seghers began his bouquets with almost abstract colored bulbs, a revelation made possible through scans.

The exhibition features works by some of the most renowned masters of the time, including Jan Brueghel the Elder, Clara Peeters, Anna Maria Janssens, Jan Davidsz. de Heem, and David Teniers the Younger. One of the pieces, a portrait of a deceased child, surprisingly uncovered an entire hidden bouquet beneath its surface. Another work contains real butterfly wings pressed into the paint, adding an unexpected layer of realism to the art.

Flowers in art during the 16th and 17th centuries signified exploration, global trade, power struggles, moral choices, and religious beliefs. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore these themes through the lens of floral art.

"Garden of Delights: The Seventeenth Century in Bloom" is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the intricate world of Dutch and Flemish floral art. The Kadriorg Art Museum in Tallinn invites you to immerse yourself in this enchanting display, now open until January 25.