Still Life c. 1660 - 1690

Abraham van Beyeren made this still life painting with oil paint in the 17th century. It depicts a feast of bread, fruit, oysters, and wine. The painting’s material realism is incredible; you can almost feel the textures. The painting is a virtuoso display of van Beyeren's ability to represent the surfaces of things. The cool sheen of the pewter plates, for instance, contrasts with the nubbly texture of the glassware. Note the glistening oysters, and the velvet tablecloth, rendered with considerable skill. The artist has clearly labored to create this illusion of luxury. This opulent display reflects the Dutch Golden Age, a time of immense wealth fueled by global trade. Each object signifies both artistic skill and economic power. Through his skilled handling of paint, Van Beyeren elevates these materials to a meditation on consumption and the good life. Looking closely at the materials, and the way they are depicted, reminds us that art is always connected to wider social and economic realities.