Still Life with Oysters
Artist: Pieter Claesz. (Dutch, 1596/97-1660)
Date: 1642
Dimensions:
H: 14 in. (35.6 cm); W: 20 1/8 in. (51.1 cm)
Medium: Oil on wood panel
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1950.223
Label Text:Pieter Claesz. was one of the pioneers of a type of Dutch still life known as the “breakfast piece,” which features simple meals painted in tones of gray and brown. In contrast to the footed silver plate and elegant Venetian-style wine glasses of Jan Davidsz. de Heem’s Still Life with a Lobster in this gallery, Claesz. depicts “everyday” ware such as pewter plates and the squat Dutch wine glass called a roemer (see an example in the case nearby). Likewise, instead of an exotic lobster and overflowing basket of fruits, Claesz.’s meal consists of the humbler oyster and crumbly bread. Peppercorns in a rolled up sheet of printed paper and a lemon, believed to counteract the “cold sliminess” of oysters, accompany the meal.
The “Claesz.” of Pieter Claesz.’s name is a Dutch patronymic (derived from the father’s name), short for Claeszoon, or “Son of Claes.”
The “Claesz.” of Pieter Claesz.’s name is a Dutch patronymic (derived from the father’s name), short for Claeszoon, or “Son of Claes.”
On view
In Collection(s)