Still Life with Books in a Niche 1442 - 1445

"Still Life with Books in a Niche" (1442-1445) by Barthélémy d' Eyck is a meticulously detailed oil painting depicting a collection of books, a wooden box, and a scroll. The composition is set within a niche, an architectural feature that signifies the importance of learning and scholarship. The artist's keen eye for detail is evident in the realistic depiction of the books' worn covers, frayed edges, and open pages. The inclusion of these everyday objects suggests a focus on the earthly realm, common in Northern Renaissance art. The artwork's intimate scale (30cm x 56cm) invites viewers to contemplate the significance of knowledge and the passage of time.