Click on image to enlarge		Jan van der Waarden 1811 – Haarlem - 1872 Narcissae, Pansies, Lilies and other Summer Blooms in a Vase Oil on panel 10 1/8 x 8 1/4 inches (25.8 x 21 cm.) Signed lower left: J Van der Waarden Jan van der Waarden spent his entire life based in Haarlem where he cultivated his own style of nineteenth century Dutch  still life painting.  Although he was known primarily for still lifes, he also developed a penchant for landscapes which were often incorporated into the still life images. He had several exhibitions throughout The Netherlands including three in Rotterdam in 1832, 1836 and 1870 and two in the Hague in 1833 and 1839.  There are presently two still life examples by Waarden in the Frans Halsmuseum in Haarlem. The present composition features a cheerful bouquet of large blossoms.  Narcissae, two tulips, blue pansies, white and red lilies, and a blue poppy,  all of similar size, burst forth from the canvas in a myriad of color.  The base of a red fluted vase is almost obscured under the vivacious flowers.  Soft light falls over the delicately painted blooms and onto the edge of the wooden table upon which they stand.  While the setting of wooden tabletop and flat background is simple and quiet, the bouquet is presented with a vibrant liveliness symbolic of the summer season.