Still Life with a Glass and Oysters 1635 - 1645

"Still Life with a Glass and Oysters" (1635 - 1645) by Jan Davidsz de Heem is a classic example of a Dutch still life, showcasing the artist’s meticulous attention to detail and mastery of light. A glass goblet with a lemon peel, a cluster of grapes, and several oysters arranged on a tabletop, all illuminated by natural light. The painting was likely commissioned by a wealthy Dutch patron, reflecting their social status and appreciation for beauty. De Heem's precise rendering of textures, from the smooth surfaces of the oysters to the delicate folds of the tablecloth, makes the work a testament to the Dutch Golden Age of painting. The painting is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.