The objects are arranged to demonstrate the artist’s skill in showing the play of light on different materials. The focus is a precious drinking cup made from a nautilus shell. Around it, in a carefully planned disorder, are silver vessels which set up a series of complex reflexions. These hard forms are contrasted with the different textures of a bunch of grapes, walnuts and a lemon - cut and peeled. De Heem achieved his astonishing illusion with only a few colours.
Inscriptions / Translations: Signed and dated u.r.: JDHeem f./ JDHeem f. Ao 1632 [both sets of initials in monogram]
Notes: Exhibited: 'Still life paintings from the Netherlands 1550-1720', Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 19 June 1999 - 19 September 1999, no. 29; 'Jan Davidsz de Heem (1606-1684), His Influences and His Followers', Rafael Valls Ltd., London, UK, 28 November 2005 - 23 December 2005, p. 6.
|