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Dutch Flower Paintings

Written by: Gerrit on February 14, 2025

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These Dutch Masters' Flower Paintings Left Me Speechless 🖼️

Tulip Fields near The Hague by Claude Monet. Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam.

As a local guide, I know spring isn't just about Keukenhof. Let me show you where to find the most beautiful Dutch flower paintings right in Amsterdam - they're the perfect addition to your tulip season visit (or any time of year, really.

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Whether you are here in tulip season or not, you can always enjoy Dutch flowers at one of our world-famous art museums.

This guide introduces you to the best Dutch floral art on display in Amsterdam.

I’ll show you where to find the most crucial Dutch flower paintings in Amsterdam, perfect for those inevitable rainy days.

Sunflowers – Vincent Van Gogh

Let’s start at the Van Gogh Museum, where you’ll find the iconic ‘Sunflowers’ (1889).

One of the most famous Dutch Flower Paintings is of course Sunflowers made by Vincent van Gogh.
Sunflowers – Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

Here’s something fascinating:

Van Gogh painted seven versions of this masterpiece.

The Amsterdam version shows how he used just three shades of yellow to create an entire world of color.

He considered sunflowers his artistic signature, writing to his brother Theo that:

‘The sunflowers belongs to me.’

Irises – Vincent Van Gogh

While you’re there, don’t miss the ‘Irises’ (1890), painted during Van Gogh’s time at the Saint-Rémy asylum.

Irises by Vincent van Gogh.
Irises – Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

Look closely – those blue flowers were originally purple, but the pigment has faded.

Van Gogh created this as a color study, placing the flowers against a vivid yellow background for maximum impact.

Tulip Fields near The Hague – Monet

Before you leave, find Monet’s ‘Tulip Fields near The Hague’ (1886).

Tulip Fields near The Hague by Claude Monet. Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam.
Tulip Fields near The Hague by Claude Monet. At the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

The French master was so overwhelmed by our colorful tulip fields that he wrote:

‘It’s impossible to convey with our poor colors.’

This painting has a special connection to Van Gogh – it was sold through the gallery where his brother Theo worked.

When you’re in the country at the right time of year (spring), head over to my article Tulips in The Netherlands to learn more about how to see the flowers yourself.

PS: You might want to consider a private tour with me to unknown flower fields if you’re in the country between mid-April and the first week of May.

Now, let’s head to the Rijksmuseum.

Floral Still Life – Hans Bollongier

I want to start with Hans Bollongier’s ‘Floral Still Life’ (1639).

Floral Still Life by Hans Bollongier at the Rijksmuseum.
Floral Still Life by Hans Bollongier at the Rijksmuseum.

It is so gorgeous.

This masterpiece tells a fantastic story about the Dutch tulip craze.

Notice those beautiful ‘flaming’ tulips?

A virus caused that striking pattern – something nobody knew in the 17th century.

Bollongier painted this right after the famous tulip market crash of 1637 when tulip bulbs were worth more than houses.

⤷ I wrote a post explaining the Tulip Mania craze during the Golden Ages.

And it is fun to know that this arrangement is not even possible.

The artists painted varieties that do not bloom at the same time.

Meaning he created this work from memory, not from a real-life example.

Making it even more extraordinary.

Still Life with Flowers in a Glass Vase – Rachel Ruysch

Another show-stopper is Rachel Ruysch’s ‘Still Life with Flowers in a Glass Vase’ (1690-1720).

Still Life with Flowers in a Glass Vase by Rachel Ruysch Rijksmuseum.
Still Life with Flowers in a Glass Vase by Rachel Ruysch Rijksmuseum.

Ruysch was extraordinary – she commanded prices over 1,000 guilders while raising ten children, unheard of for a female artist in her time.

She even served as a court painter and always proudly signed her work with her name.

Then, we believe women were not significant in early history.

Far from the truth in The Netherlands.

But flowers in Dutch art go beyond paintings.

Table Cover – Maximiliaan van der Gucht

A fantastic art piece to look for at the museum is Maximiliaan van der Gucht’s table cover (1650-1675).

Table Cover by Maximiliaan van der Gucht Rijksmuseum.
Table Cover by Maximiliaan van der Gucht at Rijksmuseum.

Flowers dance across dark blue silk. In the center, you’ll spot Flora, the Roman goddess of spring.

This was made in Delft, a city you might know for its blue pottery but which was also famous for its tapestries.

This piece of fabric is on display at the Rijksmuseum.

Silver Dish – Gerloff Brouwer

Don’t miss Gerloff Brouwer’s silver dish (1661) either.

Silver Dish  with flowers by Gerloff Brouwer at Rijksmuseum.
Silver Dish with flowers by Gerloff Brouwer at Rijksmuseum.

It’s like a silver garden.

Even in monochrome silver, the embossed flowers look ready to pick.

The dish itself is shaped like a flower, with a scalloped edge that shows just how flower-obsessed the Dutch were.

Cabinet – Jan van Mekeren

One of my highlights is Jan van Mekeren’s cabinet (1695-1710) at the Rijksmuseum.

Cabinet by Jan van Mekeren.
Cabinet with flower display by Jan van Mekeren at Rijksmuseum.

It’s spectacular.

Would you believe this flower-decorated cabinet was more expensive than a Rembrandt painting in its time?

Van Mekeren used 15 different types of wood to create these incredibly detailed flower scenes.

Delft Flower Pyramid

If you say The Netherlands, you say Tulips, but you most likely also say Delft Blue Pottery.

The Rijksmuseum has some superb pottery in its collection.

Like the amazing Delft Flower Pyramid (1692-1700).

Delft Blue Tulip Vase at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Delft Blue Tulip Vase at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Standing 1.5 meters tall, these pyramids were the ultimate luxury item.

⤷ Want to visit Delft and follow Vermeer’s footsteps, or visit a Delft Blue factory? Read my Delft post here.

Created for William and Mary’s court, they combined Dutch flower passion with Chinese porcelain influences.

Each spout could hold fresh flowers, creating a towering flower arrangement that would impress any Instagram influencer today.

Tip: if you are interested in learning more about William and Mary’s court (and you really should; it’s quite a story), I highly recommend visiting Paleis het Loo in Apeldoorn.

⤷ Here is my post with all the details.

It is the most beautiful castle we have in The Netherlands.

It also has one of the best audio tours I have ever found at a museum.

Giving you all the details about their extraordinary lives and relationships.

 

Frequently Asked Question Dutch Flower Paintings

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam’s art museums during tulip season?

Visit first thing in the mornings, when crowds are still thin. It’s incredible to stand eye to eye by yourself with the Night watch, Vermeer, and, of course, Vincent’s sunflowers.

Which museum should I visit first – the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum?

If you visit both museums on the same day, start with the Van Gogh Museum because it gets so crowded later in the day. The Rijksmuseum is larger. But the absolute best to do is to visit each museum on a separate day. And enjoy each first thing in the morning. It doesn’t matter which one you pick first. Choose practical and based on availability.

Are the museums crowded during tulip season?

Yes, especially on rainy days when visitors skip the flower fields. Book tickets online in advance and arrive early, ideally right when the museums open. Regarding the number of tourists, tulip season is the absolute highest season for Amsterdam. No other time of year, including summer, will get as busy as during tulip season. Here is a great article I wrote for things to do during flower season to avoid the crowds.

How long do I need to see the flower paintings in both museums?

Plan for 2-3 hours in each museum to fully appreciate the flower artworks and their context, as well as the other notable works of art on display. If you go for the paintings and artworks mentioned, an hour per museum is enough.

Can I take photos of the paintings?

Photography is allowed in most areas of both museums but without flash. The Van Gogh Museum restricts photography in some special exhibitions. Or when you get too close to artwork or disturb other visitors. Be mindful when you take pictures. Yes, you traveled far, and this is your chance. But so did everybody else.

Do I need to make reservations for either museum?

Yes, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum require a pre-booked ticket with a timeslot. I recommend booking them as early as possible. Especially if you want the early morning slots. You can book your Van Gogh Museum ticket here. You can book your Rijksmuseum ticket here.

Nearby Accommodations I Recommend:

My number one choice 🥇

Hotel Estheréa Amsterdam

A 4-star boutique hotel in a row of 17th-century buildings. It is a perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort.

Other great places to stay nearby are:

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Hi, I'm Gerrit

I enjoy sharing useful tips about the beauty of this county.

Gerrit shares his love for the Netherlands, helping thousands plan unforgettable trips to the lowlands. Discover his inspiring journey "From a critical health scare to celebrating Holland's charms". If you want to send Gerrit a quick message, you can contact him here.

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