Artwork
Stilleven met kabeljauw
Stilleven met kabeljauw is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Willem Roelofs. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Stilleven met kabeljauw is a still life oil painting by Willem Roelofs, dated to 1898, currently part of the Rijksmuseum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a recently deceased fish (kabeljauw/cod) on a wooden table, accompanied by a lemon slice and a brown pitcher with an protruding feather. The composition focuses on the interplay of natural elements in a state of stillness.
Technique & Style
Roelofs employed quick, expressive brushstrokes to capture the fish's scales and a contrasting, smoother technique for the lemon. The piece utilizes chiaroscuro, with strong contrasts between light and dark (notably the fish's grayish tones against the lemon's pale yellow) to create depth, set against a textured, dark background evoking wood grain.
History & Provenance
Created in 1898 by Willem Roelofs, the painting is now held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
Context
While specific contextual details about the painting's creation are not provided, it reflects late 19th-century still-life traditions, emphasizing the play of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) common in Dutch art.
Legacy
No specific information is provided regarding the painting's impact or legacy beyond its inclusion in the Rijksmuseum's collection, indicating its recognition within Dutch art heritage.
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