Artwork
Still-Life of Books
Still-Life of Books is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Davidsz. de Heem. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the Mauritshuis.
About this work
Overview
Still-Life of Books is a 1628 oil painting by Jan Davidsz. de Heem, a prominent Dutch Golden Age artist known for his still lifes. The work is part of the Mauritshuis collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a cluttered table with old books, sheet music, and a violin, suggesting a love of learning or music. Titles like 'Roddrick the Alphonsus' are visible on some books, which are variously open, stacked, or torn.
Technique & Style
De Heem's attention to detail is evident in the rendering of light on the pages, creating a sense of realism. The scene is characterized by a dim, shadowy atmosphere, with chiaroscuro effects achieved through the artist's use of light and shadow.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Maria van Oosterwijck (1630–1693), also spelled Oosterwyck, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, specialising in richly detailed flower paintings and other still lifes.
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