Artwork

Still life with a large berkemeyer, silver chalice and a gold pocket watch

Still life with a large berkemeyer, silver chalice and a gold pocket watch is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Pieter Claesz. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1632, this oil painting by Pieter Claesz presents a carefully arranged still life. The work is part of the collection at the Kunsthaus Zürich and exemplifies the Dutch tradition of depicting everyday objects with meticulous detail.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a large, wide‑mouthed glass vessel, a silver chalice laid on its side, and a gold pocket watch whose chain hangs over the table’s edge. Small items such as a bowl of fruit or nuts are scattered nearby, inviting contemplation of material wealth and the passage of time.

Technique & Style

Claesz employs a restrained palette and subtle chiaroscuro to model the reflective surfaces of glass, metal, and stone. The dark green tablecloth provides a muted backdrop that enhances the luminous quality of the objects, while the precise brushwork captures the texture of each material.

History & Provenance

The painting has remained in European collections since its creation, eventually entering the holdings of the Kunsthaus Zürich. Its provenance reflects the typical trajectory of Dutch Golden Age works, moving from private ownership to public museum display.