Artwork
Still life with a dead roebuck, lobster and fruits

Still life with a dead roebuck, lobster and fruits is an unspecified painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Frans Snyders. It dates from 1618 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Still Life with a Dead Roe Buck, Lobster, and Fruits is a 1618 still life painting by Frans Snyders, housed at the Alte Pinakothek.
Subject & Meaning
The painting juxtaposes a deceased roebuck, a spread-legged lobster, and an overflowing bowl of mixed fruits (including pears, grapes, and possibly figs), alongside additional still life elements such as a flower-filled vase and a metal pitcher. This composition may symbolize the transience of life and the abundance of nature.
Technique & Style
Snyders employed a range of textures to create a highly tactile experience, from the soft appearance of the roebuck’s fur to the hardness of the lobster’s shell and the juiciness of the fruit. The use of chiaroscuro adds depth through pronounced contrasts of light and shadow.
History & Provenance
Created in 1618, the work is part of the collection at the Alte Pinakothek, though specific details about its commission or earlier ownership are not provided here.
Context
This painting reflects the Flemish still life tradition of the early 17th century, characterized by elaborate compositions and sensory realism. The inclusion of both animal and fruit elements was common in Snyders’ work, often conveying themes of mortality and plenty.
Legacy
While specific legacy details are not provided, the painting’s use of chiaroscuro and its textured realism contribute to the broader influence of Flemish still life on European art development.
Artist & collection
Artist
Frans Snyders or Frans Snijders was a Flemish painter of animals, hunting scenes, market scenes, and still lifes.

















