Echinopsis oxygona

Cactus sp. from south America.  Large showy flowers only last for 1-2 days.

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Painting by Jan van Huysum 1722Painting by Jan van Huysum 1722

This painting hangs in the Getty Museum, Los Angeles.  The colors, vibrancy and lushness are striking.  Apparently, he could take months and even years to finish works like this because he always had the actual plant in the studio when he painted.  Since the still life comprised flowers, fruits and leaves from different seasons it was a patient task to paint them all in.