Who painted Schalenglas, Austern und Brötchen?

Schalenglas, Austern und Brötchen was painted by Simon Luttichuys in 1653.

Where can I see Schalenglas, Austern und Brötchen?

Schalenglas, Austern und Brötchen is held by Kunsthaus Zürich.

Artwork

Schalenglas, Austern und Brötchen

Schalenglas, Austern und Brötchen is an oil painting by Simon Luttichuys. It dates from 1653 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Simon Luttichuys’ oil painting, dated 1653, presents a modest still‑life arrangement rendered on a light‑toned tabletop. The composition is anchored by a dark background that intensifies the subtle hues and textures of the objects, creating a restrained yet refined visual effect.

Subject & Meaning

The work gathers everyday luxury items: three oyster shells—one opened to reveal its pearl‑like interior—a simple bread roll, a dark‑handled knife, and a glass goblet filled with a pale liquid. The selection suggests a quiet contemplation of nourishment and the fleeting pleasures of the table.

Technique & Style

Luttichuys employs a smooth, controlled brushwork typical of mid‑seventeenth‑century Dutch still lifes. The contrast between the luminous surfaces of the oysters and goblet and the deep, muted backdrop demonstrates his skill in modelling light and texture on varied materials such as shell, metal, glass, and bread.

History & Provenance

Created in 1653, the painting entered the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s Dutch workshop, reflecting the period’s market for finely detailed domestic scenes.

Context

During the Dutch Golden Age, still‑life paintings often highlighted the abundance of trade goods and the domestic sphere. Luttichuys’ focus on oysters—a delicacy imported from coastal regions—places the work within this tradition of depicting both wealth and the transience of material comforts.