Who painted Still Life with Fruit and Game?

Still Life with Fruit and Game was painted by Jan Fyt in 1643.

Where can I see Still Life with Fruit and Game?

Still Life with Fruit and Game is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Still Life with Fruit and Game?

Still Life with Fruit and Game is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Still Life with Fruit and Game

Jan Fyt , 1643

Still Life with Fruit and Game is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jan Fyt. It dates from 1643 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1643, this oil painting presents a densely arranged still life that juxtaposes ripe fruit with freshly hunted game.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1643, this oil painting presents a densely arranged still life that juxtaposes ripe fruit with freshly hunted game.

Created in 1643, this oil painting presents a densely arranged still life that juxtaposes ripe fruit with freshly hunted game. A bird hangs inverted from a chair, while a basket overflows with grapes, pears, and other produce, all set against a darkened backdrop that hints at a shadowy interior space. The composition reflects the meticulous observation characteristic of mid‑17th‑century Flemish still‑life painting.

Subject & Meaning

The work combines symbols of abundance and mortality: the luscious fruit suggests seasonal bounty, whereas the lifeless bird and other game evoke the transience of life. By placing the dead animal prominently, the artist invites contemplation of the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures, a common moral undercurrent in Baroque still lifes.

Technique & Style

Employing oil on canvas, the painter utilizes strong chiaroscuro to model forms, allowing light to carve out the volume of each object against the tenebrous background. Fine brushwork renders the glossy skin of grapes, the soft fur of the bird, and the textured wicker of the basket, demonstrating a keen interest in surface qualities and realistic detail.

History & Provenance

The painting was executed by Jan Fyt, a leading Flemish Baroque specialist in animal and fruit scenes. After remaining in private collections for centuries, it entered the holdings of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst, where it is currently displayed as part of the museum’s Baroque European holdings.

Context

Fyt’s oeuvre belongs to a broader Flemish tradition that celebrated lavish banquet tables and hunting trophies, reflecting the wealth of the region’s merchant class. His compositions often feature dramatic lighting and intricate arrangements, aligning with the Baroque emphasis on sensory richness and the moralizing potential of still‑life subjects.