Floral still lifes of the Romantic period are characterised by their simple composition, light colour and the profusion of native species. So too in this still life: we see authentic Dutch plants such as primulas, geraniums, periwinkles, forget-me-nots and nasturtiums, as well as plants that were cultivated in glasshouses around 1830: daffodils, anemones, tulips and hyacinths. The blue tulip was originally purple: remains of the lost red pigment are still visible.