Artwork
Still Life with Nautilus Cup
Still Life with Nautilus Cup is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Frans Sant-Acker. It dates from 1668 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Still Life with Nautilus Cup is a painting depicting an ornate still life arrangement on a marble tabletop, featuring a rare and luxurious nautilus shell cup as its central element.
Subject & Meaning
The composition showcases symbols of wealth and refinement, including a Persian rug, silverware, and the prized nautilus cup. The cup, crafted from a real shell and adorned with gilding and silver mounts, embodies the theme of opulence and the display of prosperity.
Technique & Style
The artist employed meticulous attention to detail, rendering the reflective qualities of metal, the texture of the nautilus shell, and the subtle play of light on each object with remarkable precision.
History & Provenance
While specific details about the painting's creation and early ownership are not provided, the presence of a façon-de-Venise glass and other luxury items suggests a 17th-century Dutch context, potentially linking it to the Dutch Golden Age of still life painting.
Context
This work reflects the Dutch still life tradition of the time, where elaborate arrangements served to display the owner's wealth and the artist's skill in capturing intricate details and textures.
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