SwissArtGallery · Documented identity
A painter of still lifes of flowers, fruit and shells, Balthasar van der Ast often populates his compositions with insects and lizards. The treatment of the surfaces is described as “quasi-mineral”: flowers and fruit take on the appearance of polychrome sculptures. After his father’s death in 1609, he joins the household of his sister Maria and his brother-in-law Ambrosius Bosschaert, with whom he trains in still-life painting. He accompanies the Bosschaert family to Berg-op-Zoom in 1615 and then to Utrecht in 1619, where he joins the Guild of Saint Luke. After staying there until 1632, he settles in Delft and joins the local guild on 22 June 1633.
In February 1633, he marries Margrieta Jans van Buijeren; they have two daughters, Maria and Helena. His associated pupils include Anthony Claesz and Johannes Baers. Jan Davidszoon de Heem’s apprenticeship with van der Ast in Utrecht, by contrast, is presented as probable. Two works held in public collections illustrate the diversity of his subjects: a still life of fruit with shells, dated 1620, at the Mauritshuis, and a composition of flowers, shells and insects, dated around 1640–1650, at the Louvre.
This profile brings together identity references for Balthasar van der Ast and paintings, drawings and works on paper documented in auction catalogues.
Genève Enchères · Koller · Schuler
References include catalogue entries and available results; they do not all represent completed sales. Attributed works and special lots are excluded from the priced results.
Oil on canvas
Nachfolger Papagei mit Blumenbouquet
Öl auf Leinwand
Catalogue period : 2026-03-23
Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed
Estimate : CHF 3000–5000
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Oil on panel
Nature morte
huile sur panneau
Catalogue period : 2023-12-06
Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed
Estimate : CHF 80000–120000
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Oil on panel
Nature morte
huile sur panneau
Date to be documented
Published result : 48000 CHF
Fees not specified in the available data
Estimate : CHF 40000–60000
View the lot at the auction house ↗![Balthasar van der Ast — Bouquet of flowers in a Wan-li vase with a lizard. 162[...].](/img/artist-auctions/international-reserve/0d3da0ee98a6c78a3c6567b3.jpg)
Oil on copper
Date to be documented
Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed
View the lot at the auction house ↗SwissArtGallery documentary note based on the cited sources. Titles, media and qualifications are provided in the profile language; the original catalogue wording remains available in each record.
Profile updated :
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