Who painted Still Life on a Table with Musical Instruments?

Still Life on a Table with Musical Instruments was painted by Pieter Claesz.

Where can I see Still Life on a Table with Musical Instruments?

Still Life on a Table with Musical Instruments is held by Ashmolean Museum.

What movement is Still Life on a Table with Musical Instruments?

Still Life on a Table with Musical Instruments is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Still Life on a Table with Musical Instruments

Pieter Claesz

Still Life on a Table with Musical Instruments is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Pieter Claesz. It is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.

About this work

Overview

Pieter Claesz’s oil painting titled Still Life on a Table with Musical Instruments presents a domestic banquet scene. The composition is arranged on a draped tabletop, where a roasted turkey occupies the central position, surrounded by an assortment of food, drink vessels, and musical paraphernalia. The work is part of the Ashmolean Museum’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The tableau gathers elements of feast and music, a turkey, bread, fruit, a pie, a wine glass, a goblet, a violin, a lute, a book, a knife and a small bowl, suggesting a moment of conviviality and cultural refinement. By juxtaposing sustenance with artistic objects, the painting hints at the pleasures of both the palate and the ear, inviting contemplation of abundance and leisure.

Technique & Style

Claesz employs a restrained palette of warm tones, allowing the light to fall softly across the surfaces and emphasize texture. The subtle chiaroscuro creates depth, while meticulous brushwork renders the sheen of metal, the translucence of glass, and the fur of the bird. The overall effect is a quiet realism that foregrounds material detail.

History & Provenance

Created in the early seventeenth century, the work exemplifies the Dutch still‑life tradition that flourished during the Golden Age. It entered the Ashmolean Museum’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century, where it remains on display as a representative example of Claesz’s mature oeuvre.