(Vienna 1776–1857)
Two bouquets of flowers with butterflies, both signed S. Wegmayr,
oil on panel, each 69 x 54 cm, framed, cradled, (2) (Rei)

Sebastian Wegmayr, a gifted young men from a popular background, was a student at the Academy of Arts in Vienna where he specialized in still lives paintings. Starting as an assistant to his teacher J. B. Drechsler he subsequently replaced him there, teaching his favourite subject until his retirement in 1851. His influence was perceptible even after he had left the Academy as many of his preparatory drawings were used in the following years as teaching material.

Wegmayr’s works were created in the first half of the 19th century, long before the new style of flower painting - dedicated to the representation of the flora outside- emerged. In his oeuvre, the classical, Flemish way is still clearly visible.
As his predecessor did, Wegmayr carefully studied the subjects of this still lives and indeed the exact details of the flowers and branches represented here are a testimony of the attention payed by the painter to the flora. The rich, high bouquets of his paintings stand out before simple dark backgrounds, their lavishness accentuated by the plain glass vases and marble tables they are presented on.