Artwork
Still Life with Fruit, a Lobster and Dead Game
Still Life with Fruit, a Lobster and Dead Game is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Michiel (II) Simons. It dates from 1656 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Still Life with Fruit, a Lobster and Dead Game is a 17th-century oil painting by Michiel Simons, dated circa 1656, currently in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a lavishly set table with an assortment of food, including a bowl of mixed fruit (grapes, peaches, pears), a lobster, a plate of nuts, and a glass of wine, set against a somber dark background. The composition conveys abundance and the transience of luxury.
Technique & Style
Simons employed a strong light source from the right, casting deep shadows on the left, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the subjects. The work is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, evident in the intricately rendered fruit and lobster, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing texture and form.
History & Provenance
Created around 1656, the painting's history prior to its acquisition by the Victoria and Albert Museum is not detailed here. It is known to have been part of the museum's collection, reflecting the institution's interest in Dutch Golden Age still-life painting.
Context
This work aligns with the Dutch still-life tradition of the 17th century, which often explored themes of wealth, mortality, and the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures. The use of a dark background was a common technique to highlight the subjects' textures and colors.
Legacy
While specific influences or direct artistic descendants of this piece are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Dutch still-life painting's technical prowess and thematic depth, potentially inspiring later artists in their use of chiaroscuro and detailed realism.
Artist & collection
