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Nationalmuseum
Artist: Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1606–1683/1684)
Alternative names: Jan Davidszoon de Heem, Johannes de Heem,
Jan Davidtsz. van Antwerpen, Johannes van Antwerpen
Dutch-Flemish painter and draughtsman
Work period: 1625-1683
Work location: Leiden (1625-1631), Antwerp (1636-1664), Utrecht (1665-1672), Antwerp (1672-1683)
Title: Still Life with Wine, Fruit and Oysters
Object type: Painting
Description: Sumptuous still lifes were popular in the seventeenth century. Many were painted in Holland, but were subsequently spread to other countries. Just as in this arrangement, European elements were often mixed with exotic components. Here we see blackberries, raspberries, grapes, ears of wheat, acorns, hazelnuts, a pomegranate, and oysters. The exotic parts—an orange, a lemon, and a Chinese bowl—witness of the era’s contact with distant lands. We also catch a glimpse of a snail and a butterfly—motifs that are sometimes interpreted as symbols of death and decay.
Date: Unknown date
Medium: Oil on panel
Dimensions: Height: 37.7 cm (14.8 in). Width: 47.4 cm (18.7 in).
Framed: Height: 56 cm (22 in). Width: 66 cm (26 in). Depth: 7 cm (2.8 in).
Inscriptions (Swedish): Signerad: J. d. de Heem P.
SKU: 272767
