Still Life with a Lobster
Artist: Jan Davidsz. de Heem (Dutch, born 1606, died 1683 or 1684)
Date: late 1640s
Dimensions:
Painting: 25 × 33 1/4 in. (63.5 × 84.5 cm)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1952.25
Label Text:Jan Davidsz. de Heem presents a table over-laden with luscious ripe fruits, an expensive imported lobster, and fine glass and silver ware that suggest luxury and indulgence of the senses. There was a cultural perception in the 1600s that the Dutch were frugal, hard-working, and modest—but by the middle of the century, it was being said (especially in the pulpits) that these habits were being replaced by shows of “worldly vanity and luxury.”
Still life paintings of sumptuous meals offered an opportunity to indulge the eyes with irresistibly appealing textures and colors. At the same time the image imparts a cautionary note: the prominent pocket watch with its eye-catching blue silk ribbon reminds the viewer that time flies, and such luxuries and abundance don’t last forever, so be sure to pay more attention to the needs of the soul than to the desires of the body.
Still life paintings of sumptuous meals offered an opportunity to indulge the eyes with irresistibly appealing textures and colors. At the same time the image imparts a cautionary note: the prominent pocket watch with its eye-catching blue silk ribbon reminds the viewer that time flies, and such luxuries and abundance don’t last forever, so be sure to pay more attention to the needs of the soul than to the desires of the body.
Not on view
In Collection(s)