The delightful floral composition presented here is the work of the painter Severin Roesen (1815-?), now recognized as one of the greatest and most prolific American artists of the genre.
Little is known about Roesen's life and character. Originally from Germany, he moved to New York in 1848. He was certainly an adventurous and unpredictable spirit, impatient with domestic tranquility and inclined to revelry. From 1860 onward, for the following twelve years, he lived in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, after which his painting activity seems to have ceased and little more is known about him. According to an article published in the local newspaper, the Williamsport Sun and Banner, on June 27, 1895:
"His studio was much frequented by his friends, who would sit with this companion all day, a genial, educated, and generous man, smoking their pipes and drinking his beer, of which he rarely went without."
