Pieter Casteels III was born in Antwerp. He trained with his father, Pieter Casteels II, a painter who worked in Antwerp. In 1708, he left to join the vibrant London art scene. Flower paintings were extremely popular during the 1600’s in Northern Europe. Many Flemish artists painted them for their well-to-do clients to beautify their homes all year round and especially during the long dark winters. Floral Still Life paintings were valued for their realism, their aesthetic appeal, and decorative function.
These paintings came to the Woman’s National Democratic Club from the estate of Mrs. Florence (Daisy) Harriman, who was a co-founder of the WNDC.