Stilleven met kan van steengoed 1878

Maria Vos painted this still life with oil on canvas, featuring asparagus, lemons, and various vessels. At first glance, it’s a simple arrangement of everyday objects. But still life painting in the Netherlands during the 19th century wasn’t just about depicting objects; it was also about conveying social values and economic realities. Looking closer, the objects tell a story. The stoneware jug and ornate box suggest a prosperous household, while the lemons and asparagus hint at international trade and seasonal delicacies. Even the sheet music subtly implies leisure and refinement. Made during a time of growing industrialization and expanding global markets, it's no surprise that artists would turn to these symbols of domestic comfort and worldly access. To understand this painting better, we can delve into historical records of Dutch trade, recipes and cookbooks of the time, and even museum archives to trace the provenance of similar objects. This helps us interpret the painting not just as a picture, but as a window into the values and aspirations of Dutch society during a period of transformation.