Artwork
Still Life with Fish
Still Life with Fish is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist R. van Burgh. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1690, this oil painting titled *Still Life with Fish* presents a somber arrangement of dead fish set upon a coarse, darkened surface. The composition is anchored by the lifeless marine specimens, while a muted landscape with a distant boat and faint buildings recedes into shadow behind them. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The central focus is a heap of gray‑brown fish, some with mouths and gills exposed, others cleaved open, suggesting a moment after a catch. Scattered tools accompany the carcasses, hinting at the practical aspects of fish handling. The stark depiction of mortality and the quiet labor associated with it invites contemplation of the transience of life and the routine of trade.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, juxtaposing bright illumination on the fish against a deep, unlit background. This contrast accentuates the texture of scales and flesh, rendering the specimens with a tactile realism. The brushwork is controlled, allowing subtle gradations of tone that give the scene a three‑dimensional presence despite its static arrangement.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the Dutch painter R. van Burgh, the canvas has remained in the Netherlands since its creation. It entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings through acquisition in the early twentieth century, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s Dutch still‑life collection.
Context
The painting belongs to a tradition of 17th‑century Dutch still lifes that often featured foodstuffs and market items, reflecting the era’s commercial prosperity and interest in realistic representation. By focusing on fish—a common commodity—the work aligns with contemporary genre scenes that documented everyday economic activity while exploring themes of abundance and decay.
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Artist & collection
Artist
This 17th-century painter made oil-on-canvas still lifes. In *Still Life with Fish* (1679), they laid out silver-scaled herring, a copper pot, and a pewter plate on a wooden table with sharp, clean light. The scene is…
