Rachel Ruysh Silk Habotai Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

An abundantly floral Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf featuring elements from an 18th century still life painting entitled simply Flowers by the Dutch painter Rachel Ruysh (1664-1750)

Ruysh was the best documented female painter of the Dutch Golden Age, a period of commercial, scientific and artistic dominance that provided unrivalled prosperity for the Netherlands.

Celebrated for her scientifically precise floral still life paintings, Ruysh was the daughter of a famous anatomist, and so had unique access to rare specimens, allowing her to create 'impossible bouquets' that combined flowers from different seasons in hyper-realistic detail. Her work is defined by dramatic lighting, dark backgrounds, and the inclusion of insects or decaying petals to symbolise life's fragility (vanitas).

Unusually for her time, Ruysh maintained a prolific career while raising ten children and became the first female member of The Hague’s painters’ guild. She was internationally famous and commanded prices far higher than Rembrandt during her lifetime.

COLOURS

STYLING

A Fox & Chave habotai silk scarf can be worn with the classic knot style or a pussycat bow. You can even create a shawl effect by knotting two scarves together behind your neck and allowing them to drape over your shoulders. More scarf styling ideas are available in this wonderful How to Tie a Scarf book.