Still life on a draped table with a sculpture of Venus in a niche behind a curtain

The painting is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. It is cataloged as an oil on canvas work depicting a still life with a sculpture of Venus. Historical records indicate the work was once owned by Marcell Nemes.

The piece is attributed to Abraham van Beijeren and dates to the mid-seventeenth century, with inception years recorded as 1659 and 1667.

The painting's composition influenced later still-life artists who incorporated sculptural elements and dramatic drapery into their arrangements. Its depiction of a Venus sculpture partially revealed behind a curtain contributed to renewed interest in Baroque reinterpretations of classical themes during the 18th century. The work's provenance through collector Marcell Nemes highlighted the painting's significance in private European collections before its acquisition by the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, where it remains on display.

Abraham van Beijeren’s 1659 oil painting presents a richly arranged still life on a darkened table, its surface covered by a white drapery that folds over the edge. The composition includes a silver pitcher, a basket of bread, and a plate laden with grapes, peaches and a melon, all rendered with careful attention to texture and form. In the recessed space behind a curtain, a small classical sculpture of a female figure is partially concealed, adding depth to the scene.

Created during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, the painting reflects contemporary tastes for opulent still‑life compositions that celebrated prosperity and the skill of the artist. The inclusion of a classical sculpture aligns with the period’s renewed interest in antiquity, while the sumptuous food items echo the era’s thriving trade networks.