Who painted A collector's cabinet with ivory cup?

A collector's cabinet with ivory cup was painted by Georg Hainz in 1666.

Where can I see A collector's cabinet with ivory cup?

A collector's cabinet with ivory cup is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is A collector's cabinet with ivory cup?

A collector's cabinet with ivory cup is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of A collector's cabinet with ivory cup?

Museum-quality prints of A collector's cabinet with ivory cup are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

A collector's cabinet with ivory cup

Georg Hainz , 1666

A collector's cabinet with ivory cup is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Georg Hainz. It dates from 1666 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts a dense arrangement of precious and exotic objects within a darkened interior, focusing on a large, ornate ivory cup as the central motif.

Painted in 1666 by the German artist Georg Hainz, 'A collector's cabinet with ivory cup' is a meticulously composed still life that exemplifies the 17th-century fascination with *Kunstkammer* or cabinet of curiosities. The work depicts a dense arrangement of precious and exotic objects within a darkened interior, focusing on a large, ornate ivory cup as the central motif. This vessel is intricately carved with figural scenes and surmounted by a small sculptural element, serving as a testament to the period's appreciation for skilled craftsmanship and distant materials. Surrounding the cup are various items typical of the genre, including jewelry, a skull functioning as a *memento mori*, and a red hat, all resting upon a draped surface. The composition utilizes dramatic chiaroscuro to highlight the distinct textures of the ivory, metal, and fabric against a shadowy background. Created during the height of Hainz's career, the painting reflects the cultural value placed on collecting and the transience of earthly wealth, a common thematic concern in German still-life painting of the mid-1600s.

Subject & Meaning

The arrangement presents a curated assortment of luxury items, suggesting a display of personal wealth and the collector’s taste. The inclusion of a skull introduces a memento mori element, reminding viewers of mortality amid material abundance, while the ivory cup’s narrative relief adds a layer of cultural or mythological reference.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, Hainz employs a meticulous rendering of textures—from the polished sheen of ivory to the glint of metal jewelry—using chiaroscuro to model forms and create depth. The careful attention to surface detail and balanced composition reflects the Dutch still‑life tradition of the mid‑17th century.

History & Provenance

Created in 1666, the painting has remained in public holdings and is presently displayed at Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst. Its provenance prior to museum acquisition is not extensively documented, but the work exemplifies Hainz’s oeuvre of cabinet‑still lifes that were popular among affluent patrons of the period.