Still Life with Silver and Gold Plate, Shells, and a Sword 1675 - 1699

Meiffren Conte’s “Still Life with Silver and Gold Plate, Shells, and a Sword” (1675-1699) depicts a lavish arrangement of precious objects. The still life features a silver and gold plate, a sword, shells, and a richly decorated vase against a crimson velvet cloth. This work, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, demonstrates Conte's mastery of depicting fine detail and texture, particularly in the ornate silver and gold vessels. The inclusion of the sword and shells suggests a theme of wealth and power, while the use of rich colors and textures adds to the opulence of the composition.