Still Life with Flowers in a Glass Vase, Rachel Ruysch, c. 1690 - c. 1720
Rachel Ruysch was the most famous female artist of her time. Monumental, opulent floral still lifes like this painting attracted the attention of wealthy patrons willing to pay prices exceeding 1000 guilders for them. The Elector of the Palatinate, a German principality, appointed her court painter. Even following her marriage, during which she bore ten children, Ruysch continued to work and signed her paintings with her own name.