Artwork
Still life of household objects
Still life of household objects is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Robert van den Hoecke. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Overview
Robert van den Hoecke, a Flemish painter active in the mid‑17th century, produced a still‑life composition in 1645 that depicts a modest interior scene. The work is part of the Dutch Golden Age output and is among the very few still‑life paintings attributed to him, who is otherwise known for expansive battle and landscape subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents a dimly lit corner filled with ordinary household items—a wooden barrel with its lid removed, a basket containing a green bowl and a woven container, a black earthenware pot, a metal lantern, and a bundle of straw. The arrangement emphasizes the tactile qualities of everyday objects, inviting contemplation of materiality and the quiet moments of domestic life.
Technique & Style
Van den Hoecke employs a strong chiaroscuro effect, contrasting illuminated surfaces with deep shadows to give the objects a three‑dimensional presence. The play of light highlights textures such as the grain of the wood, the sheen of metal, and the roughness of straw, while the uneven illumination creates a sense of depth within the confined space.
History & Provenance
After establishing his career in Antwerp, van den Hoecke later served Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria in Brussels, overseeing fortifications in Flanders. The painting eventually entered the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, where it remains on display.
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert van den Hoecke (30 November 1622 in Antwerp – 1668 in Bergues-Saint-Winoc) was a Flemish painter, engraver and architect.
