Artwork
Still life with fish
Still life with fish is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Pieter de Putter. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Still Life with Fish, created circa 1650 by Pieter de Putter, is an oil painting exemplifying the Dutch Golden Age movement. A specialist in fish still lifes, de Putter was among the first artists to concentrate on this genre.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features three fish arranged on a wooden surface, with a plate, fishing net, and plain dark background. The composition emphasizes the textures and realism of the marine elements, drawing the viewer's attention to the fish.
Technique & Style
De Putter employed meticulous attention to detail, capturing the wet scales and rough fins of the fish. The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, with pronounced shadows and highlights that enhance the illusion of reality.
History & Provenance
Still Life with Fish is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, attributed to de Putter's activity in The Hague during the 17th century as a key figure in the early development of fish still-life painting.
Context
As a work of the Dutch Golden Age, the painting reflects the era's fascination with everyday subjects and the advancement of still-life painting as a respected genre.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Pieter de Putter (Middelburg, c. 1600 – Beverwijk, buried on 20 November 1659) was a Dutch still life painter who was active in The Hague. He mainly painted fish still lifes, game pieces and still lifes with figures, De…
