Joseph Nigg (1782-1863) - Still Life with Flowers on a Marble Ledge

Still Life with Flowers on a Marble Ledge

oil on canvas
55.9 cms x 45.7 cms (22 ins x 18 ins)
Signed jos. nigg lower left
Lot offered for sale by Heffel, Vancouver at the auction event "International and Canadian Art from A Distinguished Vancouver Collection (6th session)" held on Thu, Oct 31, 2024.
Lot 520
Estimate: CAD $15,000 - $25,000
Realised: CAD $13,750

Lot description - from the online catalogue*

Provenance:
Collection of Baroness Jean Cacace, San Francisco

New Collectors Gallery, Inc., San Francisco

Acquired from the above by a Distinguished Private Collection, Vancouver, 1966
Notes:
The flower paintings of the Viennese Biedermeier era between 1815 and 1848 drew inspiration from 17th-century Dutch still life paintings. These lavish and meticulously rendered floral compositions showcased exotic rarities alongside native plants, signifying wealth and opulence. A love for nature was considered important during the Biedermeier period, and adorning ones salon or living room with this genre of painting reflected an appreciation for art and refined taste. Perhaps the most celebrated artist working in this vein was Joseph Nigg, renowned for his sumptuous floral compositions. Beginning in 1800 Nigg worked as a flower painter in a Viennese porcelain factory, eventually overseeing the department from 1816 until 1843. His exquisite porcelain masterpieces were highly coveted, in particular by the imperial family, and were frequently presented as gifts to foreign courts. Ni gg incorporated fruits and animals in his compositions in a naturalistic style, using vibrant colors. In this exquisite example, he depicts a rich bouquet set in a bronze vessel against a neutral-colored wall, the monochromatic background enhancing the vivid colours of the flowers. Throughout the picture, Nigg includes details such as a butterflies, insects, grapes and a small bird, adding a delicate touch to the scene.
Most realised prices include the Buyer's Premium of 18-25%, but not the HST/GST Tax.
(*) Text and/or Image might be subject matter of Copyright. Check with Heffel auction house for permission to use.
Still Life with Flowers on a Marble Ledge by artist Joseph Nigg