Artwork
Still life with lobster
Still life with lobster is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist David Ryckaert III. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
About this work
Overview
David Rijckaert the Younger executed *Still Life with Lobster* in 1617, situating the work within the flourishing still‑life tradition of the Dutch Golden Age. The oil on canvas presents a meticulously arranged banquet scene, now part of the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Subject & Meaning
At the centre of the composition rests a vivid red lobster, dominating a silver plate. It is accompanied by a bowl of confectionery, a loaf of bread, a nautilus‑shaped cup, and several glasses containing dark liquid, suggesting wine or sherry. The assortment of luxury foods and fine vessels reflects the period’s fascination with abundance and the transience of material pleasures.
Technique & Style
Rijckaert employs a refined chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to model the textures of shell, glass, and fabric. The gray tablecloth serves as a neutral ground, allowing the glossy surfaces of the lobster and the delicate glaze of the sweets to stand out. Fine brushwork renders the intricate patterns of the nautilus cup and the subtle sheen of the liquids.
History & Provenance
Active in early‑17th‑century Antwerp, Rijckaert was known for genre scenes and occasional still lifes, receiving commissions from high‑ranking patrons such as the governor of the Southern Netherlands. *Still Life with Lobster* entered the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium’s holdings through the museum’s acquisition program in the 20th century, where it remains on display.
Context
The painting exemplifies the Flemish adaptation of Dutch still‑life conventions, where sumptuous food items serve both decorative and moral purposes. The inclusion of exotic elements like the lobster and the nautilus cup signals Antwerp’s role as a commercial hub, importing rare goods that signaled wealth and global connections.
Artist & collection
Artist
David Ryckaert III, David Rijckaert III or David Rijckaert the Younger (2 December 1612, Antwerp – 11 November 1661, Antwerp) was a Flemish painter known for his contribution to genre painting, in particular through his scenes of merry…
Museum
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
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