Still Life: Fruit and Oysters on a Table

Jan Davidsz. de Heem (formerly attributed to) 1606 - 1683-1684

Summary

Each individual item in this painting is recorded in minute detail, down to the bloom on the grapes and the iridescent lustre of the oyster shells. The artist has carefully captured the reflection of the window in the wine glass, or roemer, with its pattern of raspberry prunts, and the lemon is peeled for the viewer to imagine its bitter taste. These foods are some of the most expensive of the day: lemons and oranges were imported from southern Europe, while oysters and prawns were delicacies from the North Sea. This painting was previously attributed to Jan Davidsz de Heem, based on the signature on the edge of the table. This signature is now thought to be a later addition, and the painting has recently been reassigned to Johannes Hannot, who trained in de Heem's Antwerp studio.

Display Label

Still Life: Fruit and Oysters on a table after 1650 Johannes Hannot 1633-84 Oil on panel The artist has carefully captured the reflection of the window in the wine glass, or roemer, and the lemon is peeled for the viewer to imagine its bitter taste. These foods are some of the most expensive of the day: the lemons and oranges were imported from warmer climates, and the oysters and prawns were delicacies from the North Sea. This painting was previously attributed to Jan Davidsz de Heem, based on the signature on the edge of the table. This signature is now thought to be a later addition, and the painting has recently been reassigned to Johannes Hannot who trained in de Heem’s Antwerp studio. Assheton Bennett bequest 1979.461