Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Still life with pewter jug by Jan Jansz den Uyl

Jan Jansz den Uyl · 1635-01-01

This striking "Still Life with Pewter Jug" by Jan Jansz den Uyl, painted in 1635, contains a charming hidden detail: a tiny owl. Den Uyl, whose name means 'owl' in Dutch, cleverly incorporated this motif as his signature in many of his works.

Look closely at the reflective surface of the pewter jug, and you'll spot the subtle, almost ghostly outline of an owl's face. It's a testament to the artist's wit and skill, inviting viewers to engage more deeply with the painting than a casual glance.

Den Uyl was a prominent painter of the Dutch Golden Age, specializing in these "breakfast pieces" or "banketjestukken." Though less famous today, his work was highly regarded in his time, with even Peter Paul Rubens owning three of his paintings.

What other secrets do you think old masters might have hidden in plain sight?

Details

The painter, Jan Jansz den Uyl, was known for these works.
The painter, Jan Jansz den Uyl, was known for these works.
Uyl means 'owl' in Dutch, and it was his signature.
Uyl means 'owl' in Dutch, and it was his signature.
Its transparency and delicate form highlight the artist's skill in depicting different materials and the play of light.
Its transparency and delicate form highlight the artist's skill in depicting different materials and the play of light.
The soft folds and subtle shadows create a sense of texture and volume, contrasting with the harder objects.
The soft folds and subtle shadows create a sense of texture and volume, contrasting with the harder objects.
Transcript

This Dutch still life from 1635 looks like a simple meal. The painter, Jan Jansz den Uyl, was known for these works. Uyl means 'owl' in Dutch, and it was his signature. He often hid an owl somewhere in his paintings. Look closely at the jug's reflection. There it is: a tiny, subtle owl face.