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Still Life with Books by Jan Lievens

Jan Lievens · 1620-01-01

Jan Lievens's "Still Life with Books" (c. 1627-1628) was long mistaken for a Rembrandt, a testament to its quality and the close relationship between the two artists. Now housed at the Rijksmuseum, this oil-on-panel painting is a stellar example of the Dutch vanitas genre.

Look closely at the meticulous details, like the worn leather binding of the books, the reflective metal ewer, and the delicate green glass. These elements, rendered with striking realism, serve to remind the viewer of the transience of life and worldly pursuits.

Lievens and Rembrandt shared a studio in Leiden for several years, making the initial misattribution understandable. However, subsequent scholarship affirmed this work as a significant piece in Lievens's distinct oeuvre, showcasing his talent for detailed still life compositions. It was acquired by the Rijksmuseum in 1963, after centuries in private collections.

Doesn't it make you wonder how many other masterpieces might still be attributed incorrectly?

Details

Lievens was a close contemporary of Rembrandt in Leiden.
Lievens was a close contemporary of Rembrandt in Leiden.
For years, experts believed this detailed work was Rembrandt's.
For years, experts believed this detailed work was Rembrandt's.
Later scholarship reattributed it to Lievens, his own distinct work.
Later scholarship reattributed it to Lievens, his own distinct work.
This painting now shows his mastery of the vanitas style.
This painting now shows his mastery of the vanitas style.
Its worn pages and detailed text represent knowledge, but also the decay of time and information.
Its worn pages and detailed text represent knowledge, but also the decay of time and information.
Transcript

This painting was once thought to be by Rembrandt. It was painted around 1627 by Jan Lievens. Lievens was a close contemporary of Rembrandt in Leiden. For years, experts believed this detailed work was Rembrandt's. Later scholarship reattributed it to Lievens, his own distinct work. This painting now shows his mastery of the vanitas style.