Artwork

Breakfast with Ham

Breakfast with Ham, by Pieter Claesz, oil, 1647
Breakfast with Ham, by Pieter Claesz, oil, 1647

Breakfast with Ham is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Pieter Claesz. It dates from 1647 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Technique & Style

Its formal qualities include a restrained palette, clear spatial definition, and a focus on everyday objects typical of Dutch Golden Age still-life painting.

Breakfast with Ham is an oil painting executed on a wooden panel. The composition presents a ham, slices of bread, grapes, a peach, a plate, a knife, and a walnut arranged on a table, emphasizing careful detail and a balanced layout. Measuring 40 cm in height and 61 cm in width, the work belongs to the still-life genre and was produced in the Netherlands in 1647.

Its formal qualities include a restrained palette, clear spatial definition, and a focus on everyday objects typical of Dutch Golden Age still-life painting.

History & Provenance

Breakfast with Ham is an oil painting on panel created by the Dutch artist Pieter Claesz in 1647. The work was produced in the Netherlands and depicts a still-life arrangement featuring ham, bread, grapes, a peach, a plate, a knife, and a walnut. The painting measures 40 cm in height and 61 cm in width and is currently held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.

Overview

Pieter Claesz's "Breakfast with Ham," an oil painting from 1647, exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age tradition of still life. This composition captures a modest meal, showcasing everyday objects with meticulous detail. It is currently housed in the State Hermitage Museum, representing a significant work within the artist's oeuvre.

Subject & Meaning

The painting presents a domestic scene featuring a half-eaten loaf of bread, a slice of ham, and various fruits such as peaches and grapes, alongside nuts. A glass of water and a metal pitcher complete the arrangement, with a knife resting on the table. This genre often invited contemplation on daily life and the transient nature of existence, even in seemingly simple depictions.

Breakfast Piece
Breakfast Piece, Pieter Claesz

Artist & collection

Portrait of Pieter Claesz

Artist

Pieter Claesz

Pieter Claesz was a Dutch Golden Age painter of still lifes.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Breakfast with Ham?

Breakfast with Ham was painted by Pieter Claesz in 1647-01-01.

Where can I see Breakfast with Ham?

Breakfast with Ham is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Breakfast with Ham?

Breakfast with Ham is associated with Dutch Golden Age.