the collector's folio

Jan Van Kessel The Elder Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Jan Van Kessel The Elder · 1626 – 1679

The Continent of Africa

1666 · Alte Pinakothek, Munich

Vibrant 17th-century mural depicting the diverse life of Africa by Jan van Kessel the Elder; explore this rich tapestry of wildlife and culture today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The Continent of America

1666 · Alte Pinakothek, Munich

Discover Jan van Kessel the Elder's detailed 17th-century mural of America, rich with flora, fauna, and cultural life; bring this masterpiece home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The Continent of Europe

1666 · Alte Pinakothek, Munich

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The Continent of Asia

1666 · Alte Pinakothek, Munich

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The Four Elements

Hospitalfield Arts, Arbroath · original 39 x 57 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21157 × 39 cm Commission at original size

A Vase of Flowers

Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge · original 27 x 34 cm

Explore Jan van Kessel’s ‘A Vase of Flowers,’ a stunning Dutch Golden Age still life brimming with vibrant blooms & intricate detail. Admire its dramatic lighting & symbolic depth.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Decorative Still Life Composition with a Basket of Fruit

The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 14 x 20 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Decorative Still Life Composition with a porcelain Bowl, Fruit and Insects

The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 14 x 20 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Decorative Still Life Composition with Birds and two Bats

The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 14 x 20 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Three Butterflies, a Beetle and other Insects, with a Cutting of Ragwort

1650 · The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 9 x 13 cm

Intricate butterflies and beetles dance among ragwort in this exquisite 1650 Flemish masterpiece by Jan van Kessel the Elder, offering a window into scientific beauty that you can bring to your private collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The Day's Catch (detail)

1661

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Still Life with Fruit

Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena · original 13 x 16 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Decorative Still Life Composition with a Garland of Flowers

The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 14 x 20 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

A Cockchafer, Beetle, Woodlice and other Insects, with a Sprig of Auricula

1650 · The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 8 x 12 cm

Meticulous 17th-century insect studies and vibrant flowers define this exquisite oil on copper by Flemish master Jan van Kessel the Elder, offering a rare glimpse into scientific art that you can bring to your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Holy Family

1660 · original 64 x 50 cm

Explore Jan van Kessel’s Baroque ‘Holy Family’ (1660). A richly detailed oil painting featuring a monk & child, framed by abundant flowers. Admire Mannerist style & dramatic lighting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24050 × 64 cm Commission at original size

Peapods and Insects

1650 · Legion of Honor, San Francisco · original 13 x 19 cm

A mesmerizing collection of detailed insects and vibrant peas comes to life in this 1650 masterpiece by Jan van Kessel the Elder, inviting you to bring the intricate beauty of Flemish botanical art into your home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Venus at the Forge of Vulcan

1662 · original 60 x 84 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29484 × 60 cm Commission at original size

Still Life with a Monkey Stealing Fruit

1660 · original 23 x 33 cm

Explore Jan van Kessel’s 1660 still life! A richly detailed Dutch Golden Age painting featuring a monkey & abundant fruit, showcasing masterful oil technique & dramatic lighting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17539 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Still Life

original 419 x 769 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17544 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

Still Life with Vegetables

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Flowers

1650 · original 52 x 37 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20337 × 52 cm Commission at original size

A Garland of Flowers

original 64 x 48 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23648 × 64 cm Commission at original size

Interior of a Kitchen with a Dog

1660 · original 23 x 33 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Vanitas Still Life

1670 · original 20 x 15 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Tulips, roses, peonies and other flowers in a roemer

original 52 x 36 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 119 artworks by Jan Van Kessel The Elder
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20136 × 52 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Jan Van Kessel The Elder

1626 – 1679

Quick facts

Died1679
Color intensitymonochromatic, balanced
Works on APS119
Museums on APSAlte Pinakothek, Norton Simon Museum, Hospitalfield Arts, Legion of Honor, The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology
Creative periodsmature period
Topics exploredstill life, butterflies, floral arrangement
Movementsbaroque
Art periodEarly Modern

Biography

A Legacy of Miniature Wonders: The Life of Jan van Kessel the Elder

In the vibrant, bustling heart of seventeenth-century Antwerp, a period defined by both artistic splendor and scientific awakening, Jan van Kessel the Elder emerged as a master of the minute. Born in 1626 into one of the most illustrious artistic dynasties in Flemish history, Kessel was more than just a painter; he was a visual chronicler of the natural world. As the grandson of the legendary Jan Brueghel the Elder and the son of Hieronymus van Kessel the Younger, his very existence was woven into the fabric of the Northern Mannerist tradition. Yet, while he inherited a profound respect for the allegorical depth and lush landscapes of his forebears, Kessel sought to capture something far more intimate: the hidden, microscopic marvels that resided in the shadows of gardens and the delicate veins of flower petals.

His early training was a rigorous immersion into the Antwerp school, shaped by the disciplined observation required of a true blomschilder. By joining the Guild of Saint Luke in 1644, he formally committed himself to the art of botanical painting. This period of his life was marked by an extraordinary synthesis of artistic flair and scientific curiosity. Influenced by the works of masters like Daniel Seghers and Joris Hoefnagel, Kessel did not merely paint flowers; he studied them with the eye of a naturalist. His work became a bridge between the aesthetic beauty of the Baroque era and the burgeoning empirical spirit of the Scientific Revolution, turning the canvas into a window through which the wonders of entomology and botany could be examined by the curious minds of Europe.

The Art of Precision: Technique and Subject Matter

To gaze upon a true Kessel masterpiece is to enter a realm where scale disappears and detail reigns supreme. He was particularly renowned for his use of copper panels, a medium that provided a luminous, smooth surface capable of supporting his incredibly fine brushwork. This choice of support allowed him to achieve a level of brilliance and clarity that oil on canvas often struggled to match. On these gleaming surfaces, Kessel rendered the iridescent wings of butterflies, the translucent bodies of beetles, and the velvety textures of rose petals with such startling accuracy that his paintings often functioned as miniature encyclopedological studies.

His repertoire was as diverse as the natural world itself, ranging from:

Exquisite Floral Still Lifes: Lavish bouquets and garlands that celebrated the ephemeral beauty of seasonal blooms.
Entomological Studies: Meticulous depictions of insects, often arranged in compositions that mirrored the "cabinets of curiosities" so beloved by the era's collectors.
Allegorical Compositions: Larger-scale works where he utilized animals and elements to represent complex themes such as the Four Continents or the Four Elements.
Landscape and Marine Scenes: Occasional forays into river landscapes and maritime subjects that showcased his versatility beyond the microscopic.

There is a profound sense of wonder in his ability to manipulate nature through artifice. In his hands, a simple sprig of rosemary becomes a stage for a drama of tiny creatures, and a single butterfly becomes a jewel of light and color. This mastery of the miniature allowed his works to be highly prized by a sophisticated clientele, including wealthy merchants, nobles, and foreign luminaries who sought to possess these small, portable wonders within their private collections.

Historical Significance and Enduring Influence

The significance of Jan van Kessel the Elder extends far beyond the borders of Antwerp. He represents a pivotal moment in art history when the boundaries between the artist's studio and the scientist's laboratory began to blur. His ability to infuse scientific accuracy with aesthetic elegance helped define the Flemish Baroque style for a generation. Through his meticulous documentation of species, he contributed to the cultural zeitgeist of an age obsessed with discovery and the cataloging of the unknown.

Though his life was cut short in 1679, his influence persisted through his family and his enduring impact on the genre of still life. His descendants continued the family tradition, ensuring that the Kessel name remained synonymous with botanical excellence. Today, when we look at his works in institutions such as the National Gallery of Art, we do not merely see old paintings; we see the heartbeat of a century that dared to look closer, finding infinite complexity in the smallest of living things. He remains a testament to the idea that true greatness is often found not in the grand and sweeping gesture, but in the quiet, breathtaking precision of a single, perfectly rendered wing.

Questions & Answers

What other names is Jan Van Kessel The Elder known by?

Jan Van Kessel The Elder appears under the alternate names Jan van (I) Kessel, Jan van Kessel d.Æ., Jan I Van Kessel, Jan van Kessel, Jan van Kessell.

How do I find works by Jan Van Kessel The Elder on a specific theme?

The By Keywords page of Jan Van Kessel The Elder groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.

What are the birth city and country of Jan Van Kessel The Elder?

Jan Van Kessel The Elder was born in Antwerp, in Belgium.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 6, 2026

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