Artwork
Still Life with Fruit, Plates and Dishes on a Turkey Carpet
Still Life with Fruit, Plates and Dishes on a Turkey Carpet is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Simon Luttichuys. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Simon Luttichuys’ oil painting, dated around 1650, presents a richly arranged still life. A vivid red‑and‑gold Turkish carpet forms the base, its fringed edges framing an assortment of fruit, plates, and a blue‑white vase. Darkened surroundings accentuate the luminous colors and textures of the objects, creating a scene of material abundance.
Subject & Meaning
The composition gathers common luxury items—grapes, pears, apples, metal dishes, and a decorative vase—on an exotic carpet, reflecting the 17th‑century Dutch fascination with wealth, trade, and the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures. The careful placement suggests a celebration of bounty while subtly hinting at the transience of such riches.
Technique & Style
Luttichuys employs meticulous brushwork to render varied surfaces: the glossy sheen of metal, the velvety skin of fruit, and the intricate pattern of the carpet. A dark background heightens contrast, allowing the vivid reds, blues, and golds to emerge with striking clarity, characteristic of Dutch Baroque still‑life realism.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1650, the work has been part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection, where it remains on display. Its attribution to Luttichuys aligns with his known oeuvre of detailed domestic scenes, confirming its place within the Dutch Golden Age tradition.
Context
During the mid‑17th century, Dutch artists frequently depicted opulent interiors and exotic textiles, reflecting the Netherlands’ global trade networks. Luttichuys’ inclusion of a Turkish carpet underscores the period’s interest in imported luxury goods and their role in visualizing prosperity.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
