Caffi Margherita (1647-1710) Jet of Flowers at the Fountain

Margherita Caffi (1647-1710) was a recognized Italian artist, specializing in floral still lifes. She is considered one of the few female painters to have achieved notable success in this genre during the 17th century. Born in Milan, she mainly worked in Lombardy and neighboring regions, where she produced numerous floral compositions for aristocratic and ecclesiastical collections.

Dated 1695 and signed "Marg. Caffi f.1695," this still life titled Jet of Flowers at the Fountain features a composition of various flowers, including peonies, tulips, roses, and anemones, arranged in vases, with a fountain in the background. The details of the petals, the play of light, and the contrasts highlight the precision of each flower, characteristic of Caffi's refined style.

The 1690s mark a period of artistic maturity for the painter, during which she developed a distinctive and refined style, with particular attention to the details and harmonious arrangement of flowers. Margherita Caffi’s floral compositions were highly regarded by aristocratic and ecclesiastical patrons, reflecting the era's taste for natural beauty and baroque exuberance. They also evoke the transience of life, a recurring theme in Baroque art.

The signature on the piece was revealed during a recent cleaning, which helped remove excessive 19th-century overpainting and expose the original painting. The inscription "Marg. Caffi f.1695" confirms its authenticity and dating. The abbreviation "Marg." stands for Margherita, while "f." signifies "fecit," a Latin term for "made" or "painted," followed by the year 1695.

Measuring 98 x 61 cm, this canvas exemplifies the work of Margherita Caffi, influenced by Italian and Flemish Baroque traditions.