This episode focus's on the contributions of women artist's as represented trough varied eras and genres in the DIA's collection. Can You Catch the Scent of Roses? It almost seems possible with poesies, tulips, and roses painted with such precision by artist Rachel Ruysch. Her father Frederick was a distinguished scientist, professor of anatomy, and head of botanical gardens at the university in Amsterdam. Ruysch was able to study her subject in great detail because of her father’s extensive work with plants. But, this painting doesn’t simply represent highly realistic flowers; it reminds viewers that life, like flowers besieged by insects, is fleeting. DID YOU KNOW? Ruysch’s colorful bouquet could not have existed in actuality. The flowers seen here bloom at different points in the year, making it impossible for them to be alive at the same time.