Who painted Still Life?

Still Life was painted by Paulus Hennekyn in 1660.

Where can I see Still Life?

Still Life is held by Hamburger Kunsthalle.

What movement is Still Life?

Still Life is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Still Life

Paulus Hennekyn , 1660

Still Life is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Paulus Hennekyn. It dates from 1660 and is held in the collection of the Hamburger Kunsthalle.

About this work

Overview

Paulus Hennekyn’s 1660 oil on canvas titled *Still Life* presents a modest arrangement of domestic objects on a darkened tabletop. The composition includes a half‑peeled orange, a pear, a wine glass, a plate edged in gold, two small cups, a candle, and contrasting white and red cloths. The work is part of the collection of the Hamburger Kunsthalle.

Subject & Meaning

The painting gathers everyday items—fruit, glassware, porcelain, and textiles—to explore the transient nature of material pleasures. The inclusion of Kraak porcelain, a prized import in the 17th‑century Dutch market, alongside fresh fruit underscores themes of wealth, consumption, and the fleeting vitality of perishable goods.

Technique & Style

Hennekyn employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, allowing light to strike the orange and glass, creating a luminous effect against the deep shadows of the table. Careful modeling of surfaces and subtle reflections convey a tactile realism, while the muted background focuses attention on the objects’ material qualities.

History & Provenance

Created in 1660, the canvas remained in private hands before entering the Hamburger Kunsthalle’s holdings in the 20th century. The museum acquired the work as part of its effort to represent Dutch still‑life painting from the Golden Age.

Context

During the mid‑17th century, Dutch artists frequently depicted lavish still‑lifes that celebrated trade goods such as Kraak porcelain. Hennekyn’s composition aligns with this tradition, reflecting the period’s interest in detailed observation, moral symbolism, and the display of imported luxury items within a domestic setting.