Artwork
Still Life with a Nautilus, Panther Shell, and Chip-Wood Box
Still Life with a Nautilus, Panther Shell, and Chip-Wood Box is an oil painting by Sebastian Stoskopff. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The work is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard support for early seventeenth-century still life painting in Northern Europe.
The work is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard support for early seventeenth-century still life painting in Northern Europe. The composition is arranged in a horizontal format, measuring 47 by 59.4 centimetres, a relatively modest scale that invites close viewing of the depicted objects. Stoskopff's handling reflects the refined still life tradition of the period, with the nautilus, panther shell, and chip-wood box rendered to emphasize surface textures and material distinctions.
History & Provenance
Sebastian Stoskopff created the oil painting Still Life with a Nautilus, Panther Shell, and Chip-Wood Box in 1620. Executed on canvas, the work measures 47 by 59.4 centimetres. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains located. No specific commission details, accession number, or exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
Overview
Sebastian Stoskopff, an Alsatian artist, completed Still Life with a Nautilus, Panther Shell, and Chip-Wood Box in 1620 using oil paint. This work exemplifies the still life genre, featuring a modest arrangement of objects. It is characterized by its focused composition and meticulous rendering of textures. The painting is presently housed in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents a concise grouping of items on a dark surface, designed to highlight their forms. A light-toned, lidded chip-wood box occupies the right side, featuring subtle perforations. To its left, a nautilus shell with a smooth, reflective surface is positioned behind a spotted panther shell, which exhibits a more textured appearance. This arrangement emphasizes the distinct qualities of each object.
Context
Sebastian Stoskopff was recognized as a prominent still life painter in Germany during the early 17th century. He was particularly esteemed for his ability to depict objects with remarkable accuracy, especially glassware. This painting reflects the prevailing stylistic tendencies of the period, where still life compositions often featured a limited number of carefully selected and arranged items, emphasizing clarity and detailed observation rather than elaborate displays.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Sebastian (or Sébastien) Stoskopff (July 13, 1597 – February 10, 1657) was an Alsatian painter.
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