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Still life with wineglass, beer glass and pipe by Jan Jansz van de Velde

Jan Jansz van de Velde · 1658-01-01

Jan Jansz van de Velde's "Still life with wineglass, beer glass and pipe" (1658, Rijksmuseum) has a hidden history. This masterful still life was looted by a German officer during WWII and hidden for decades.

Look at the carefully arranged objects: the dark wineglass, the textured beer glass, and the white clay pipe resting on crumpled paper. Notice the faint inscription on the table, a subtle detail rewarding close examination.

Stolen from Amsterdam in 1943, the painting was recovered after the war and eventually returned to the Rijksmuseum, completing its journey back home.

Its survival is a testament to the efforts to preserve art during and after wartime.

Details

He hid it in his home in Bavaria.
He hid it in his home in Bavaria.
Look at this pipe on crumpled paper.
Look at this pipe on crumpled paper.
After the war, it was recovered.
After the war, it was recovered.
The bubbles and condensation on the glass create a tactile impression of coolness and refreshment.
The bubbles and condensation on the glass create a tactile impression of coolness and refreshment.
Transcript

He saw this painting in Amsterdam. A German officer stole it in 1943. He hid it in his home in Bavaria. Look at this pipe on crumpled paper. It shows the artist's skill with detail. After the war, it was recovered. Now it rests safely in Amsterdam.