HEEM, Cornelis de
(b. 1631, Leiden, d. 1695, Antwerpen)

Biography

Dutch painter, son of Jan Davidsz(oon) de Heem (1606-1684), one of the greatest Baroque painters of still life in Holland whose most numerous and characteristic works are arrangements of fruits, metal dishes, and wine glasses; compositions of books and musical instruments; and examples of the popular "vanity of life" theme, with such symbolic articles as skulls and hourglasses. Cornelis de Heem, was not quite the equal of Jan, but many of his paintings are preserved in museums in The Hague, Vienna, and elsewhere. Jan's younger brother, David Davidsz. de Heem, and Jan's eldest son, David Jansz. de Heem, were also well-known painters.