A Roemer with Grapes, a Pewter Plate, and a Roll
17th century
17th century
92.7 cm x 79.4 cm (36 1/2 in. x 31 1/4 in.)
Abraham van Beyeren
(The Hague, The Netherlands, 1620 - 1690, Overschie, The Netherlands)
Primary
Object Type:
painting
Artist Nationality:
Europe, Dutch
Medium and Support:
Oil on wood panel
Credit Line:
Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Archer M. Huntington Museum Fund, 1984
Accession Number:
1984.56
Object Description:
Still-life painting became popular in Europe in the seventeenth century. Lacking the traditional patronage of Church and court, Dutch artists excelled at these banquet table scenes. They were especially popular among the growing merchant class who were interested in commercial goods. These paintings also served as reminders of the transient nature of life. Here, the artist shows plates precariously set near the edge of the table on a rumpled tablecloth and a knife with its handle jutting out towards the spectator, which suggests a sudden departure of people from the scene. The pocket watch with a winding key on a ribbon further emphasizes the effect of fleeting time.