CLAESZ., Pieter
(b. ca. 1597, Steinfurt, d. 1661, Haarlem)

Still-Life with Oysters

c. 1633
Oil on oakwood, 38 x 53 cm
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Kassel

The affluent citizens of Haarlem were particularly open to the refined taste displayed in breakfast still-lifes by artists like Pieter Claesz. and Willem Claesz Heda. In this painting, a half-full rummer, an overturned tazza or wine-cup, an inverted Berkemeier glass, a silver plate and a knife, together with bread, hazelnuts, a lemon cut and peeled, oysters and a little paper cone of pepper, are all artfully organised to produce a fictive effect of serendipity.




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