Still Life with Fruit and Oysters c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have "Still Life with Fruit and Oysters," attributed to Pieter de Ring, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's interesting, I feel a certain somberness, almost a quiet decadence about it. The way the light catches the oysters is especially captivating. Curator: Indeed, the choice of objects—oysters, pomegranates, grapes—speak to trade routes and consumer culture of the time. The materials and their placement imply a certain social status and a clear understanding of display. Editor: I wonder about the life of the artist, and the person who commissioned the artwork. The painting is a study in textures, and the details imply so much. Curator: A glimpse into history, through the lens of material culture. Editor: Yes, history made visible. A story of consumption and display preserved in paint.