Composition 12

A gorgeous damask curtain, held back by heavy ornate tassels, is drawn to reveal a scene of the wildest imagination.

Gazing upon the rich red tones of the magnificent flowers and the swooping pheasants in flight, this seems like an autumnal scene. But never trust your eyes when a still-life is concerned, the artists are always trying to trick you. Far from being a celebration of autumn, this is in fact a glorious display of spring flowers.

Scarlet camelias and their dark green leaves.
Tulips and lilac, those great Spring favourites, and bright green euphorbia.
Glorious roses, some in bloom and some with new foliage blooming between last year’s hips.
Primula, Pieris and fritillaries. Imperial crown, Canterbury bell and jewel-like coral quince blossom.

What else can we see in this fairy tale of flowers, objects and sumptuous, silken surroundings?
Open books for knowledge
A jardinière overflowing with fruit for abundance
A small juicy fig, cut into by a mother-of-pearl penknife
A candlestick and a delicate, carved Victorian shell.
And emerging from behind the flowers, a glorious gilt convex mirror, rubbing in the visual trick and encouraging our fantasies to take flight, just like the pheasants.