Artwork

Stil-life with fried eggs

Stil-life with fried eggs, by Georg Flegel, oil, 1630
Stil-life with fried eggs, by Georg Flegel, oil, 1630

Stil-life with fried eggs is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Georg Flegel. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Alte Pinakothek.

About this work

Overview

Still-life with fried eggs is a 1630 oil painting by Georg Flegel, a prominent figure in early German still-life painting, associated with the Dutch Golden Age tradition. The work features a humble arrangement of common food items and household objects.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a straightforward, domestic setup: a dark glass pitcher, a partially cut loaf of bread, a plate with two runny fried eggs and a knife, and a clear glass jug with a spout accompanied by a vivid red flower, all set against a dark background. The composition highlights everyday life's simplicity.

Technique & Style

Flegel employs chiaroscuro, leveraging a dark backdrop to accentuate the vibrant colors and textures of the subjects, drawing the viewer's attention to each detail. The realism of the red flower is notably pronounced.

History & Provenance

Created in 1630, the painting is part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection. Flegel, active in the early 17th century, primarily worked in Frankfurt after starting his career in Olomouc.

Context

This work aligns with the Dutch Golden Age still-life tradition, characterized by its focus on domestic, everyday subjects. Flegel's contribution to this genre helped establish him as a key figure in early German still-life painting.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Georg Flegel

Artist

Georg Flegel

Georg Flegel (c. 1566 – 23 March 1638) was a German painter, best known for his still-life works. Born in Olomouc, he later worked in Frankfurt, where he became a leading figure in early German still-life painting.

Alte Pinakothek

Museum

Alte Pinakothek

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Alte Pinakothek open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.