Still Life with Earthenware Jar, Fish and Fruit 1652

Harmen Steenwijck's "Still Life with Earthenware Jar, Fish and Fruit" (1652) is a small-scale oil painting characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age tradition of still life. It features an array of domestic objects, including fruit, fish, and a simple earthenware jar, arranged on a wooden tabletop. The composition is symmetrical, with a focus on the central group of fish, while the peaches and jar on either side create a sense of balance. The meticulous detail and realistic portrayal of the objects in the painting are typical of Steenwijck's style, reflecting the Dutch taste for meticulous observation and craftsmanship. This still life not only presents a snapshot of everyday life, but also offers a commentary on the abundance and pleasures of domesticity.